Ethan Stishan, a Leavittsburg native and 2022 graduate of Thiel College, now serves as the official scorekeeper for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the minor‑league affiliate that calls 7 17 Credit Union Field home.
Since the start of the 2022 season he has been the sole chronicler of every pitch, every swing and every defensive play, translating the on‑field action into the statistical language that defines modern baseball.
His work goes beyond simple tallying; he decides whether a ball that kisses the dirt is a hit or an error, whether a runner’s advance is a stolen base or a wild pitch, rulings that can reshape a player’s earned run average and overall value.
Technology Meets Tradition
The automated system he developed is not a gimmick but a practical tool that reduces human error and streamlines the workflow for coaches, managers and statisticians alike.
The system’s precision matters because a single misclassification can alter a player’s statistics dramatically, affecting everything from contract incentives to future evaluation.
Before stepping into the official role, Stishan honed his craft on the sandlots of his hometown, keeping score for his brother’s amateur teams and later for his own high school squad at LaBrae High School, where he also competed in football and track.
A lifelong baseball enthusiast, he grew up watching games from the bleachers, dreaming of the big leagues, yet he remains grounded in the rhythm of the local club.
A Quiet Legacy
Stishan’s story illustrates how a blend of passion, education and innovation can carve out a meaningful niche in a sport steeped in tradition.
Although he harbors ambitions of working at the highest level of the sport, Stishan says he is perfectly content with his current position, appreciating the camaraderie with the Scrappers’ players and the chance to blend his love of baseball with his technical skill set.