NYPL State College Spikes

Josiah Viera to be Honored with Spikes Bobblehead

May 23, 2016 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


State College Spikes Josiah Viera Bobblehead
State College Spikes Josiah Viera Bobblehead
(State College Spikes)

(STATE COLLEGE, PA) - The State College Spikes are proud to announce that honorary bench coach Josiah Viera, who has served as the team's inspirational leader throughout the past three seasons, will be honored with his own bobblehead giveaway night on Saturday, July 9.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates for the Spikes' 7:05 p.m. game that night against the Auburn Doubledays will receive their own bobblehead of Josiah, presented by Northwest.

"It is a privilege and an honor to have Josiah as part of our Spikes family, and we are extremely thrilled to recognize him with a Spikes bobblehead," said Spikes General Manager Scott Walker. "Every day with Josiah is truly a blessing, and we hope that every fan that receives a bobblehead on July 9 will feel the same way throughout the year."

The festivities will also take on a special meaning in the community, as State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham has proclaimed that July 9 will be Josiah Viera Day in the borough.

As the club's honorary bench coach, Josiah is a frequent presence at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, as well as selected road games. Josiah also supervises batting practice, maintains a locker in the clubhouse and facilitates fun activities with his teammates. While he faces challenges everyday due to Hutchinson/Gilford progeria, his determination, perseverance and joyous spirit in the face of adversity has been a rallying point for the Spikes.

For his efforts at the ballpark, and his crucial role in the Spikes' 2014 New York-Penn League championship run, Josiah was the recipient the 2014 Harry Mitauer Good Guy Award, presented by the St. Louis Baseball Writers Association of America chapter. Josiah, who turns 12 years old on Wednesday, May 25, also received a special commendation from Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

In addition to the bobblehead giveaway on July 9, Spikes fans can also participate in Strikeout Progeria Night!, which will help raise awareness and funds to combat the disease that Josiah has battled throughout his life.

The bobblehead giveaway will be the first of two for Spikes fans this season. The first 1,000 fans at the August 13 home game will receive a bobblehead of Penn State career passing yardage leader and current New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg, presented by The Nittany Lion Inn & The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel and ESPN 1450.

The Spikes' 2016 season begins with Opening Night, presented by PSECU and Newsradio 1390 WRSC, on Saturday, June 18. Single-game tickets for all 38 regular season home dates through September 4, are currently on sale through the Spikes Box Office and online at StateCollegeSpikes.com. Fans can visit the Box Office in person or call (814) 272-1711. Fans purchasing online have the ability to print their tickets using a home computer and printer.

Groups can also purchase discounted tickets for any of the Spikes' 38 home dates, with groups of 10 or more eligible for a special Opening Night group ticket package. Additional benefits of booking a group for a Spikes home game include preferred seating and an exclusive early entrance great for picking up giveaways. For more information on the Opening Night group ticket package, starting at just $100, contact a Spikes group representative at (814) 272-1711. More information on discounted group tickets for all 38 Spikes home games is also available at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Value Plans, McDonald's Flex Books and an array of other hospitality options are also currently available and can be reserved by calling (814) 272-1711. All Spikes ticket options can be viewed at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

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State College Spikes Josiah Viera Bobblehead
State College Spikes Josiah Viera Bobblehead
   



New York-Penn League Stories from May 23, 2016


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