NYPL State College Spikes

Spikes Begin Preseason Mini-Camp Tuesday

Published on June 16, 2009 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE, PA --- The 2009 State College Spikes will take their first steps as a team as they begin a three-day mini-camp Tuesday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

So far, 28 players have arrived in State College to lay the foundation for this year's edition of the Spikes. The group includes 12 players who saw time with the Pirates' Gulf Coast League affiliate in Bradenton in 2008. Left-handed pitchers Nelson Pereira and Tyler Cox, who finished one-two in the GCL in earned run average last season, lead a group that also includes right-handed pitchers Albert Fagan, Zach Foster, Brandon Holden, and Ricardo Paulino.

Infielders Freicer Pedron and Carlos Silva, as well as outfielders Craig Parry and Kyle Saukko, also come to State College from a 2008 Bradenton squad that led the GCL with a 37-19 record, winning the league's Southern Division.

Seven players return from the 2008 Spikes, including last year's Spikes Pitcher of the Year, righty Alan Knotts, left-handed pitcher Mike Williams, catcher Miguel Mendez, infielders Matt Payne and Andy Vasquez, and outfielders Butch Biela, Edward Garcia, Kyle Morgan, Ciro Rosero, and David Rubinstein. Mendez, Garcia and Morgan also saw time with the GCL Pirates in 2008.

In addition, the Spikes welcome back their 2007 Player of the Year, Justin Byler, after he missed the entire 2008 minor league campaign due to injury.

Others in State College for the mini-camp include 2009 draft picks Marc Baca, Jason Erickson, Ty Summerlin, Jose Hernandez, and Pat Irvine, as well as 2008 draft pick Quinton Miller and pitcher Diego Moreno, who spent last year with the Venezuelan Summer League Pirates.

The official Opening Day roster will not be set until later in the week, but is expected to include many of the players currently working out at the mini-camp.

The Spikes will work out at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., after which players and coaches will be available to the media.

Fans can get an up-close look at the 2009 Spikes for the first time at the Meet the Team Pep Rally on Thursday, June 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. After the introduction of this year's team, players and coaches will be part of an autograph session on the concourse. In addition, fans will be able to participate in interactive Q&A sessions, games and contests with the team. The event will also include a live season preview edition of the "Spikes GameDay Show," featuring Spikes manager Gary Robinson and other special guests.

After the mini-camp concludes, the 2009 Spikes will take the field for New York-Penn League action for the first time on Opening Night, Friday, June 19, with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Williamsport Crosscutters at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. It will be the first 4 for $44 Friday of the year. Fans can purchase a package of four Diamond Club seats, four small sodas and four hot dogs for just $44 (a $63 value).

Former Penn State offensive lineman and current Pittsburgh Steelers rookie A.Q. Shipley will be on hand to sign autographs from 5:30-6:15 p.m. on the concourse on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shipley will also throw out the season's ceremonial first pitch. After the game, the skies will light up over Happy Valley with a spectacular fireworks display presented by PSECU. The first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a 2009 Spikes Magnet Schedule, also presented by PSECU. Prior to the game, fans can also enjoy pre-game musical entertainment by the Brew Devils in Porter Gardens.

To purchase tickets for Opening Night, call the Spikes Box Office toll-free at (877) 99-SPIKES, or log on to StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Check out the State College Spikes Statistics

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