State College Spikes are in MLB’s crosshairs. Here’s how you can help
The State College Spikes had a message for the community Thursday: We need your support.
The team unveiled the #SaveOurSpikes campaign at the Centre County Visitor Center in response to a plan to eliminate 42 minor league clubs in towns including State College. General manager Scott Walker pressed fans to visit and promote SaveOurSpikes.com, which suggests ways for fans to back the team ahead of its 15th season.
Chief among them: “Buy tickets, buy tickets, buy tickets,” said Vern Squier, CEO and president of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County. The website also suggests that fans write their elected officials, display #SaveOurSpikes promotional items and purchase 15th season team merchandise.
State Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, called on the community to fight back against Major League Baseball’s plan. Beyond Spikes games, holding Bellefonte’s state title game at Medlar Field in 2016 was a big moment for team members and parents.
“That is what we have here,” he said. “That is what we can’t lose here.”
Fans need to make sure that MLB knows State College will support a minor league team, Corman said.
The team has improved the quality of life in the region, said Neil Weaver, executive deputy secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The Spikes have raised more than $5 million in donations for local community organizations, he said.
The team sells an average of 125,000 tickets each year, bringing people into the area to shop, eat and stay at local hotels, Weaver said.
“It would be a huge loss to this local economy if Major League Baseball’s proposal were to move forward,” he said.
Staffers for Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, and Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, read statements in support of the Spikes. Both lawmakers signed a letter last year opposing MLB’s plan.
Former Gov. Ed Rendell said in a statement that he never would have approved $14 million in state funds for Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which is also home to Penn State’s baseball team, if a minor league professional baseball club wasn’t “a significant user of the stadium.”
“It is a shame that a model minor league franchise such as the Spikes would ever be in danger of losing its affiliation with Major League Baseball, and I am proud to stand with my fellow Spikes fans and support the #SaveOurSpikes initiative,” he said.
Dave Bohner remembered the “incredible journey” he and his grandson, late honorary bench coach Josiah Viera, went on with the Spikes. It started with a 2013 invitation to a Spikes game. There were interactions with players, cheers, first pitches, championship rings and awards from Minor League Baseball and others.
“I believe Josiah’s legacy will live on with the State College Spikes,” Bohner said. “Our friends at the Spikes are, and forever will be, our extended family.”
Bohner wore a T-shirt Thursday bearing the last design Josiah made. It carried a message that Josiah shared with ballplayers and friends, and one that Bohner left with Spikes fans Thursday:
“Never give up.”
This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 6:12 PM.