It has been 20 months since the Williamsport Crosscutters last took the field at the newly renamed Muncy Bank and Trust Park at Historic Bowman Field. It seems like forever since we last heard the crack of the bat and the cheers of happy Crosscutters fans, but all that returns Tuesday night, May 25, at 7:05 p.m.

Some things have changed. The biggest change is that the Crosscutters are now a member of the new MLB Draft League, which promises to be an interesting and unique venture that will add to the wonderful tradition of seeing tomorrow’s stars today.

Each night you will be seeing elite prospects who will be draft-eligible by all of Major League’s 30 clubs. It will be the final audition for these players to make an impression that will get them drafted by Major League teams.

Instead of just seeing potential Phillies, you will be seeing potential players from all 30 MLB teams. And in place of seeing perhaps just one or two possible players that may make it to the Majors, you may see almost a whole team of players that eventually make it to the Big Leagues. The stands at Bowman Field will be filled with scouts from all MLB teams each night. Some of them might even be former Major Leaguers that fans might recognize.

Of course, COVID itself has caused some changes this year at the uptown ballpark.
– Masks will be required at all times for all fans age three and up in all areas of the ballpark, including entrance gates.
– Fans are permitted to remove their masks only when actively eating or drinking while in their seat.
– Masks must fit properly over the nose and mouth – bandannas and face shields will not be permitted.
– All fans will be required to use the main entrance gate.
– There will be no early entrance; all gates open 1 hour before game time.
– Masks must be worn while awaiting entrance and while exiting the ballpark.
There is a new policy regarding the carrying of bags into the ballpark.

One large clear bag per person — either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or a clear bag up to 12in. x 6in. x12 in., plus a small clutch. The larger clear bag must be 12in. x 6in. x12 in or smaller, made of clear PVC vinyl, and easily searched. The one-gallon Ziploc bag is readily available, inexpensive. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is easily searched if deemed necessary.

According to Crosscutters’ officials, this policy allows staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the ballpark. There will be less time spent standing in lines at the front gate. Fans also will enjoy an improved sense of safety. Of course, shorter lines mean fewer hassles.

For any additional questions about this policy, consult the Crosscutters website or call the Crosscutters office at (570) 326-3389.
COVID protocols are also affecting the getting of autographs at the games:
– Due to MLB COVID-19 safety protocols, player autographs will be unavailable.
– For the safety of fans and employees, mascot Boomer will be unable to sign autographs.
Crosscutters officials said they have made every attempt to limit contact and make things as touchless as possible:
– Clear bag policy, so they do not have to go through peoples bags physically
– Ticket scanners at the entrance gate to scan tickets instead of ripping them
– Fans can also take advantage of the new print-at-home feature when purchasing tickets online. They can also download the ticket to their phone and simply show the barcode ticket on their phone for scanning
– The new FanFood app allows fans to order food, beverages, and even souvenirs via their smartphone. Fans can choose to pick up their order at the pickup window or have it delivered right to their seat.

They will still be under social distancing and capacity restrictions for Opening Night (5/25) when they can welcome just under 600 fans in the ballpark. Starting with their second home game on Memorial Day, they can operate at 100 percent capacity.

“The Cutters are committed to a safe environment for our fans, staff and players with stepped-up cleaning and sanitation procedures, sanitizing stations around the ballpark, temperature checks for employees when reporting to work, etc.,” Gabe Sinicropi, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Crosscutters, told Webb Weekly. “The big message is that attending a Cutters game is 100 percent unchanged. We simply get our players from a different place. Same front office, same ownership, same fun promotions.”

Speaking of promotions, the Crosscutters have their usual interesting and entertaining promotional schedule this year.
Promotional highlights include:
– Fireworks on May 25, July 3 & July 30.
– Food celebrations of Donuts (June 4), Jelly Beans (July 15) & Chocolate Chip Cookies (August 4).
– Entertainment by The Inflatamaniacs (June 5) & Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act (July 2).
– Knoebels Days on May 31 and June 17 featuring a free Knoebels Bargain Night pass for the first 500 fans.
– Decade Celebrations featuring the 70’s (June 18) and the 90’s on July 16.
– Tech Gadget Giveaway on June 19 featuring a winner every inning.
– Gem-a-Palooza on June 25 with over $1,500 in gemstones rings given away.
– Baseball Hall of Fame Night on July 22. Every inning, some lucky fan will win a baseball autographed by a Baseball Hall of Famer.

Fans will have multiple chances to win cash with the $10,000 Winning Inning on June 2, June 16, and July 21. Nine different fans each night will have a chance to win if the Cutters make a designated play in the designated inning.

Another opportunity for fans to win will come on June 26 with the Cutters Cornhole Challenge. Ten lucky fans will have a chance to sink a bag on the fly on the Cutters Cornhole board from the pitcher’s mound to home plate to win $10,000.

It should be a fun and exciting season this year for the Williamsport Crosscutters and their fans. See you at the ballpark!