Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Unveil 2025 Promotional Slate

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are thrilled to announce their exciting 2025 promotional schedule. Fans can look forward to a season filled with fun giveaways, special appearances, fireworks, theme nights, and much more! This year’s promotional calendar will feature 11 fireworks nights, four Copa de la Diversión games, and three brand-new custom jerseys, along with unique events for all ages.Opening Night and Early Promotions The 2025 season kicks off on Tuesday, April 8, when the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings. Gates open at 5:30 P.M., with the first 1,500 fans receiving a 2025 magnetic schedule. First pitch is at 6:35 P.M., followed by the season’s first fireworks show.To celebrate Opening Night, fans can Beat the Clock and save big on tickets! Tickets purchased online between 10:00 and 10:59 A.M. will be just $4 plus fees. Prices increase to $6 plus fees from 11:00 A.M. to Noon, and $8 plus fees from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. This offer is only available for online purchases.Copa de la Diversión & Specialty Nights The first of four Copa de la Diversión games takes place on May 8 (Thirsty Thursday) against the Red Wings. The RailRiders will also take on their alternate “Vejigantes” identities on June 24, July 31, and August 30.Additional highlights include STEM School Days on May 14 and 28, presented by Penn State Scranton, Hazleton, and Wilkes-Barre. Students will participate in a trebuchet competition before enjoying the game at 11:05 A.M. These games will feature STEM-related activities and local business displays.On May 17, the RailRiders will join Minor League Baseball’s Malmö Oat Milkers for a night of quirky fun in partnership with Oatly, the world’s largest oat milk company.Special Giveaways & Theme Nights Several special promotions will take place throughout the summer, including:

  • May 18 – The first 500 kids 12 and younger receive a CHAMP squish.May 30 – Scout Night, followed by a Scout campout.May 31 – Military Appreciation Day with a camo hat giveaway for the first 1,500 fans and military-themed jerseys worn by the RailRiders.June 13 – Girl Scout Night, with an overnight campout following the game against Syracuse.June 14 – Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night featuring Christopher McDonald, who portrayed Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore, with a custom bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,500 fans.
    • Fans can also look forward to Sensory Friendly Days on June 29, July 6, and August 31, offering a sensory-safe environment for fans of all ages.Themed Events & Fireworks The RailRiders’ Friday Night Fireworks begin on May 30 and will continue after every Friday home game for the rest of the season. Other fun theme nights include:
  • July 4 – Military-themed jerseys auctioned off to benefit Camp Freedom, followed by an extended fireworks show presented by the PA Lottery.July 11 – Christmas in July, complete with holiday decorations and a post-game fireworks show.July 12 – Margaritaville Night with a Hawaiian shirt giveaway and custom jerseys benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.August 1 – Faith & Fellowship Night with fireworks.August 16 – Harry Potter Night™, featuring custom jerseys, RailRiders Platform 93/4 socks for the first 1,500 fans, and a special photo op with house elves.August 2 – 90s Night, complete with a 90s Dance Party on the Geisinger Plaza.
    • The season concludes with Fan Appreciation Day on September 14, honoring all who make RailRiders baseball possible.Ticket Information Single-game tickets, along with season ticket plans (full, half, partial, and flex), are available now. Purchase tickets online at www.swbrailriders.com or at the PNC Field Box Office.For more information or to book your group for a promotional event, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255.All promotions, theme nights, and giveaways are subject to change. Additional details will be announced as the 2025 season approaches.

    Escarra honored as International League’s Player of the Week

    Catcher JC Escarra hit six home runs and drove in 12 to help pace SWB in Syracuse.

    Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for September 2-8 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s JC Escarra was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Week. The RailRiders won five-out-of six games in their road series at the Syracuse Mets last week thanks, in large part, to Escarra’s efforts.

    Escarra went 8-for-17 to bat .471 in five games. The lefty hit six home runs to help drive in a dozen runs, a fifth of the RailRiders runs scored in the series. He also scored nine of his own while walking three times. 

    In the series opener, he doubled and walked before homering in his final plate appearance of the evening. He began Wednesday’s contest with another two long balls, recording one in three consecutive at-bats. The 29-year-old swatted home runs on Friday and Saturday, again in his first at-bats of the day. In the series finale, Escarra launched a grand slam for his sixth homer of the week.

    Escarra was originally selected by Baltimore in the 15th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft. After being released before the 2022 season, he played in independent ball and internationally before New York signed him as a free agent in 2024. Escarra began the season with Double-A Somerset before being promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on July 19. He has played in 41 games for the RailRiders, working a .305 average. Escarra has split time between catcher, his primary position, and first base. He averages around a 20% caught stealing rate.

    Escarra joins Pitchers-of-the-Week Clayton Beeter (April 8-14) and Edgar Barclay (July 29 – August 4) as RailRiders’ IL weekly honorees this year. Escarra is the first SWB position player to nab a weekly award since Estevan Florial in late June to early July of the 2022 season.

    Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins its final homestand of the 2024 season Tuesday night against Lehigh Valley. The RailRiders are four games back of the Columbus Clippers heading into the final two series of the season. For tickets to games against the IronPigs this week or for promotional information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

    Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to Partner with the County of Lackawanna Transit System

    The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to partner with COLTS, the County of Lackawanna Transit System, to help provide a new option for fans attending games at PNC Field this season. COLTS will now offer service from five locations to PNC Field.

    Three trips to and from the following stops will run Tuesday through Saturday, both before and after the game COLTS will run service from the Transit Station, the DeNaples Center at the University of Scranton, Moosic at South Webster, Valley View and Hill Top. Service will leave PNC Field at three different times nightly with return stops at each location.

    “COLTS considers transit to be an essential part of our community and its success,” stated Timothy McGrath, Executive Director for the County of Lackawanna Transit System. “Whether you are going to school, healthcare or work, we are here to get you there safely. Our mission is to enhance mobility for all citizens of Lackawanna County by offering affordable, reliable and safe transportation. Everyone should have the opportunity to get to where they need to, and we are honored to expand our service to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The Game Day Express should be a home run, and we hope you enjoy the game with COLTS!”

    First pitch for games on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is at 6:35 P.M. Saturday games begin at 6:05 P.M.

    “We are thrilled to partner with COLTS to provide this new transportation option to PNC Field,” said Katie Beekman, the General Manager of the RailRiders. “The ballpark has been a part of the fabric of our community for decades and we are truly excited for the new option to assist all fans wanting to attend games.”

    Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins the second half of the 2024 season this evening at PNC Field. The RailRiders host the Worcester Red Sox starting at 6:35 P.M. tonight. For tickets or upcoming promotional information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.