By Michael Iorfino
As a Boston native, Rob Crain has been invested in the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees rivalry since he was a child, forever despising the men in pinstripes.
So for the recently hired president and general manager of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, it's only fitting that the Yankees will play the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate in their inaugural game at the new PNC Field next season.
The SWB Yankees released their 2013 schedule Monday, and the local team will kick off its season on April 4 against the Pawtucket Red Sox at its $43.3 million renovated stadium.
"It's a perfect storm of things," said Crain, who started with the Yankees on July 16. "Opening the new stadium against a Red Sox affiliate ... you couldn't ask for anything better."
The Yankees are scheduled to play 72 games at the new PNC Field next season, including 24 against three of its biggest rivals: the Red Sox, Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Buffalo Bisons.
This season, forced to play home games elsewhere because of the construction to their field, the Yankees have compiled a 35-27 record at "home." While formidable, Crain said he believes their home record will greatly improve next season when the team has the benefit of playing in front of thousands of its fans.
"I really think the fans will give us a boost next year," Crain said. "I've already received dozens of calls from residents who can't wait for the first game at PNC Field."
Crain said construction on the stadium is on schedule, and will be ready for the start of the season.
Though he wouldn't say whether the organization has selected a nickname, Crain said an announcement regarding the decision will be made "in the coming days."
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