NYPL State College Spikes

Spikes and Pirates Extend Player Development Contract Through 2012

Published on August 20, 2010 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE - The State College Spikes and Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract, which will continue the affiliation between the two clubs through the 2012 season. Spikes General Manager Jason Dambach and Pirates President Frank Coonelly made the announcement prior to Friday's Spikes home game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

"We are very pleased to continue our affiliation with the Pittsburgh Pirates and we remain firm in our commitment to provide their players, coaches and other player development staff with Major League-quality facilities and a healthy environment in which the young players can develop their skills as professionals both at the ballpark and in the community," said Dambach.

"The direction in which Frank Coonelly, Neal Huntington, Kyle Stark and the entire scouting and player development staff of the Pirates have the minor league system going is very encouraging, especially considering the money and other resources they have invested in the amateur draft and on international free agents the past three years," Dambach added. "The Pirates have also been terrific community partners with the Spikes. Through their outstanding Community Commitment Program, which has resulted in our players performing over 150 hours of charity work and other community outreach throughout our region this summer, we are better able to give back to the residents of Central Pennsylvania who have been so supportive and contributed to the success of our franchise."

The Spikes played their inaugural 2006 season as an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals before signing a four-year Player Development Contract with Pittsburgh prior to the 2007 campaign. The Spikes immediately adopted the slogan "The Bucs Start Here" representing the fact that State College is the first step in any Pirate minor leaguer's journey to Pittsburgh. The slogan also serves as a metaphor for a young deer (Spike) who has yet to grow its full set of antlers before becoming a buck.

"We are pleased to be able to extend what has been a highly productive partnership with the Spikes and to have our young players continue to play in front of the passionate baseball fans of Central Pennsylvania," said Coonelly.

Today's announcement ensures that the Pirates roster of minor league affiliates will remain intact for at least the next two seasons. The Bucs' minor league system is comprised of the Indianapolis Indians (AAA/International), Altoona Curve (AA/Eastern), Bradenton Marauders (A/Florida State), West Virginia Power (A/South Atlantic) and the Spikes. The Pirates also have teams in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, Dominican Summer League and Venezuelan Summer League.

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