NYPL State College Spikes

Spikes to Participate in Community Commitment Program

Published on May 27, 2008 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


(STATE COLLEGE, PA) - Throughout the 2008 season, the State College Spikes will participate in the Pirates Community Commitment Program, which requires every player to commit to at least five hours of community service during the season.

"The Pirates Community Commitment Program gives players a great opportunity to give back to the community that so loyally supports them," said Rick Janac, General Manager of the State College Spikes. "This program gives players a chance to be prominent role models in the community and gain a closer relationship with the communities they play in through their minor league careers."

The Pirates Community Commitment Program was designed in order to help players at all levels of the Pirates' system increase their community involvement. Every player throughout the system is required to commit to five hours of community service per half season, meaning all players on full-season teams will be required to participate in 10 hours of community service. The community service will be documented and will accompany the players as they move within the system over the course of the season.

"While there have been many displays of community service by Pirates players throughout the years, the importance of this program is to help our Minor League players develop a passion for connecting with the community," said Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark. "The annual Major League Baseball award for community service is named after the Pirates great Roberto Clemente; therefore, every player in the Pirates organization should feel a larger responsibility to emulate his passion by making a positive impact on the community in which they are a part."

Following the conclusion of the season, one player from each affiliate will be honored as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park and will be awarded the "Pirates Community Commitment Award." The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Pirates' annual Roberto Clemente Award, presented to the Pirates' Major League Player based on his character and charitable contributions to the community.

The State College Spikes alone will provide approximately 150 hours of community service during the 2008 season. Over half of the community service hours have already been scheduled. For more information on scheduling players for community service call the Spikes at 814-272-1711.

Larry Johnson will be at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on June 19 for the Spikes home opener as they take on the Jamestown Jammers (Florida Marlins) at 7:05 p.m. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a 2008 Spikes Schedule Magnet and all fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the first post-game fireworks show of the season! For Opening Day tickets and all other 2008 Spikes tickets, call (184) 272-1711, visit the Box Office at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, or go online at www.statecollegespikes.com.

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