NYPL State College Spikes

Pirates' Second-Round Pick Bell to Join Spikes Wednesday

Published on August 31, 2011 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


(STATE COLLEGE, PA) - Josh Bell, the second-round choice of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2011 MLB Draft, will be in uniform for the State College Spikes' final five games of the season, including the Spikes' final two games Wednesday and Thursday evenings at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Bell hit .548 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI, 54 runs scored with a 1.054 slugging percentage as a senior at Dallas Jesuit (TX) High School, where he helped lead the team to the Class 5A regional semifinals before being chosen in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Pirates. The switch-hitter was rated by Baseball America as the top corner outfielder and fifth-best position player overall in this year's draft. Bell also garnered the 2010-11 Gatorade/ESPN Rise Texas Baseball Player of the Year Award in his senior season of high school.

The Dallas native joins seven players from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Pirates who will make the journey to State College Wednesday. Pitchers Cesar Lopez, Diomedes Mateo and Logan Pevny will become part of the Spikes' mound corps. Infielder Alen Hanson will also become part of the Spikes on Wednesday, along with outfielders Willy Garcia, Jose Osuna, and Gregory Polanco.

Each of the eight players, including Bell, is slated to start working out with the Spikes on Wednesday. Any roster moves that would allow them to join the Spikes' active roster will be announced at a later time.

Wednesday's game is the next-to-last opportunity for fans to enjoy Central PA's Best Family Value in 2011. It's the final Half-Price Wednesday of the year, presented by BIG Froggy 101, with half-price Outfield Bleacher tickets and half-price drink specials available. In addition, the first 1,000 fans of all ages will receive an Ike the Spike Growth Chart, presented by BioLife Plasma Services.

BioLife Plasma Services will also present the College Student 3-2-1 Special, as college students showing their ID will receive $3 off any seat in the ballpark at the Spikes Box Office, plus $2 medium sodas and $1 hot dogs at the concession stands all game long. It's also Penn State Homecoming Night and a Centre County United Way Partner Agency Series Night.

Tickets for Wednesday's game and Thursday's 2011 home finale are currently on sale through the Spikes Box Office by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting in person. Fans can also buy and print single-game tickets by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Check out the State College Spikes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



New York-Penn League Stories from August 31, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central