NYPL State College Spikes

Hull, Black, Coonelly To Headline SpikesFest Guest List

Published on February 8, 2010 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE- Former Penn State linebacker Josh Hull, 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates' supplemental first round draft selection Victor Black and Pirates' president Frank Coonelly will headline the guest list at SpikesFest 2010, which will take place this Sunday, February 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Penn State Multi-Sport Facility. All three will meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take part in live question and answer sessions at various times during the event on Sunday. The free, family event is presented by Mount Nittany Medical Center and WTAJ, Your News Leader.

Hull, a graduate of nearby Millheim, PA and Penns Valley High School, completed his playing career at Penn State in 2009. A former walk-on, Hull earned a starting linebacker position prior to the 2008 season and remained a starter through this past season, which ended with an 11-2 record, including a thrilling victory over LSU in the Capital One Bowl.

Currently, the 6-3, 240 pounder is training for a career in the National Football League. He was recently invited to the prestigious NFL Scouting Combine, which will be held February 24 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. An accomplished student, Hull is a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American who has already earned a degree in environmental systems engineering.

Black, the 49th overall selection in the June 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, made his professional debut with the Spikes last summer, posting a 1-2 record with one save and a 3.45 ERA in 13 games, including seven starts. In 31 1/3 innings during his debut campaign, the right-hander struck out 33 batters and walked 15, while holding opposing hitters to just a.213 average against. The 21-year old native of Amarillo, Texas played three seasons of college baseball at Dallas Baptist University, becoming the school's highest drafted player in history.

Coonelly has served as president of the Pittsburgh Pirates since September 2007. He is responsible for the organization's day-to-day business and baseball operations. Prior to joining the Pirates, Frank served as senior vice president and general counsel of labor in the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, where he was responsible for the labor relations with players and the umpires. He earned his undergraduate degree from Penn State University in 1982.

Now in its fourth year, SpikesFest is a giant indoor baseball carnival for individual fans and families, featuring free autograph sessions, prizes, inflatable games, appearances by Ike the Spike, the Nookie Monster, Bob the Baseball Dog and other mascots, youth player and coaching clinics, unique experiences and much more.

In addition, the Spikes will once again hold a silent auction of sports memorabilia and entertainment experiences with all proceeds to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer. Over the first three SpikesFest events, the club has helped to raise several thousand dollars for Coaches vs. Cancer, a nation-wide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

Fans attending SpikesFest 2010 on February 14 will also have the opportunity to write cards and letters to 2008 Spikes' catcher Chris Simmons, who is currently serving in Iraq. The Spikes will have a specially-made banner which attendees will be able to sign for Chris. All cards and letters, and the specially-made banner, will be sent to Simmons the following day.

For more information on SpikesFest 2010 presented by Mount Nittany Medical Center and WTAJ, Your News Leader, fans can visit StateCollegeSpikes.com or call the Spikes' offices toll-free at (877) 99-SPIKES.

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