Spikes announce 2015 school programs

Outreach programs provide lessons to over 15,000 Central PA students

statecollegespikes_2014-04-30

The State College Spikes are pleased to announce the team’s roster of 2015 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, with the common goal of using the Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and conserving water. These programs are always offered free of charge to area schools.

Most programs are implemented through school assemblies and involve mascots, players and front office staff. All programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets to a Spikes’ home game upon completion of one of the fun and educational school programs. The Spikes annually reach over 15,000 Central Pennsylvania school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties through community outreach programs.

New for the 2015 season is the “Head Above Water” program presented by the State College Borough Water Authority. The program teaches water conservation and its positive effects, with a free Spikes ticket offered upon completion of the program.

Below are capsules of the Spikes 2015 school programs:

Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle by creating awareness of the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly, which can be held outside or inside. During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance of exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, August 2.

Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball Reading Program for the 2015 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2015 season. At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.

Spikes Essay Contest presented by the Centre Daily Times
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 word or fewer essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2015 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.

“Head Above Water” presented by the State College Borough Water Authority
All new for 2015 – the State College Borough Water Authority and the Spikes have partnered to implement a youth water conservation awareness program, “Head Above Water.” Ike the Spike, along with a representative from the State College Borough Water Authority, will be educating students on the importance of water conservation and the effects it can have. The program is an initiative that will encourage students to practice good water conservation habits by rewarding them with a free Spikes ticket upon completion of the program. Participating students will receive a special baseball card to help remind them how to conserve water. Any participating student that completes the water conservation program under the supervision of his or her teacher and/or parent will earn one free ticket to a 2015 Spikes baseball game. The program includes a free assembly and water conservation presentation with Ike the Spike and the State College Borough Water Authority at any of the participating schools.

There is no cost for schools to participate in any of the Spikes school programs. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes School Programs can contact Bobbi Jo Davidson, Spikes Community Relations Assistant at (814) 272-1711 or bdavidson@statecollegespikes.com.

The Spikes, defending New York-Penn League champions, begin their 38-game home schedule with Opening Night on Friday, June 19 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and the slate continues through September 6.

Single-game tickets for each game in the 2015 season will be available starting at TicketFest 2015 on Saturday, May 2 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Season tickets, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2015 season are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options can be viewed here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Safe & Seen trick-or-treat event set for Oct. 26

3rd annual kids Halloween event at Medlar Field

StateCollegeSpikes_2014-10-15

State-College-Spikes

The State College Spikes, Centre LifeLink EMS and B94.5 FM are once again teaming up to present this year’s safest and most fun children’s trick-or-treating event in the State College area.

The Third Annual Safe & Seen in the Ballpark will take place on Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the home of the Spikes. This free admission event is designed for young trick-or-treaters and their parents and will include many fun activities for children and their families.

Centre-LifeLink-EMS-logoEach child is invited to wear his or her favorite Halloween costume and bring their bag or bucket to be filled by area non-profit agencies or community supporters stationed throughout the ballpark. Trick-or-treaters will be invited to go “door to door” to visit each participating group to collect treats and other fun items.

Families can also enjoy ambulance tours, fall crafts, kids games, meet and greets with Spikes mascots and more. The event will be held rain or shine as most of activities and trick-or-treat stations will be under cover.

Anyone attending the event is encouraged, but not required, to bring a donation for Centre LifeLink EMS in support of their life-saving services.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes set to Paint the Park Pink on Sunday

Join the fight against breast cancer with Jersey Auction, more

StateCollegeSpikes_2014-08-02

 

State-College-SpikesJoin the Spikes and Mount Nittany Health to raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer at the annual Paint the Park Pink Night on Sunday, August 3rd! Game time for the Spikes’ matchup against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Bay Rays) is set for 6:05 p.m.

The Spikes will wear special Pink Ribbon Jerseys for the event, which will be up for bids in a Jersey-off-the-Back Auction to benefit the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center through The Foundation at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The silent auction will begin when ballpark gates open (4:45 p.m. season ticket holders; 5 p.m. general public) and will continue through the conclusion of the sixth inning.

Mount-Nittany-HealthThe fan with the highest bid on each Spikes player or coach jersey will receive his or her jersey directly from the player or coach as part of a special on-field ceremony after the game.

In addition, the first 1,000 fans of all ages through the gates will receive a Pink Ribbon Drawstring Bag, presented by Mount Nittany Health.

After the game, fans will enjoy a fantastic post-game FIREWORKS display, presented by Mount Nittany Health and WHVL-TV that will light up the skies over Central PA!

The Spikes are also partnering with Pink Zone at Penn State and the Penn State Lady Lions to promote the battle against breast cancer on Sunday. Lady Lions head coach Coquese Washington will throw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the evening’s activities, and members of the Lady Lions will sign autographs during the night.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Free Spikes Youth Baseball Clinic Saturday from 11-1

Kids 12 and under can learn baseball skills from Spikes players & coaches!

StateCollegeSpikes_2014-07-11

 

State-College-SpikesKids can learn baseball fundamentals from the pros at the Spikes Youth Baseball Clinic, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, on Saturday, June 12. The clinic is free with a ticket to Saturday night’s 7:05 p.m. Spikes game, and will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Spikes players will help kids sharpen their basic skills, including pitching, fielding and hitting, at the clinic. Kids and parents will also receive tips on injury prevention from a Penn State Sports Medicine physician. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m., and participating kids will have the opportunity to get autographs from the players at the end of the clinic.

The Youth Baseball Clinic starts a jam-packed day at the ballpark, as the Spikes face the Staten Island Yankees at 7:05 p.m., with FIREWORKS after the game presented by Penn State Sports Medicine as well. It’s also a Scratch n’ Win Saturday, where every fan will be a winner as each fans receives a scratch-off card with a great prize or discount on it. In addition, one lucky fan will receive the chance to win a new Kia car with the Lion Country Kia Dice Roll.

After the game, kids can run the bases thanks to Clinical Outcomes Group, Inc.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest

AberdeenIronBirds_2014-06-06

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Download Application Form »

Now in its sixth year, the 2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the sixth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 27, 2014. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

Download Application Form »

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Aberdeen IronBirds. Click here to view the original story.

Support Uplifting Athletes by attending tonight’s game

StateCollegeSpikes_2014-06-05

 

State-College-SpikesPlease join the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes in fighting kidney cancer with the State College Spikes on Friday, July 11! A portion of tickets sold will be donated to Uplifting Athletes to assist in the fight against rare diseases.

Tickets can be purchased at TicketReturn.com for $12 each. When ordering your tickets, use the Username “Uplifting” and the password “Athletes“ to receive your discount and benefit Uplifting Athletes. Uplifting Athletes tickets are also available by calling 814-272-0237.

Uplifting-AthletesEven if you are unable to attend the game, you can still help! We will be taking ticket orders as donations for any family who is affected by a rare disease. Too often a baseball game is not in the budget for some of these families, but you can indicate that your ticket donation is for a family in need and we will make sure they gain free admittance. Even better, a portion of your donation will also be given to Uplifting Athletes to help fight rare diseases.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes, First National Bank form CCUW Home Run Club

Pledge donations for Spikes homers, earn free Spikes tickets!

StateCollegeSpikes1_2014-06-05

 

State-College-SpikesThe State College Spikes will be providing fans a new way to show their support for the Centre County United Way in 2014 with the Home Run Club, presented by First National Bank. Fans will be able to make a pledge for each time a Spikes player hits a homer at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this summer, and the donations will benefit the Centre County United Way and its 34 partner agencies.

Spikes fans will be encouraged to join First National Bank and the Spikes in making a pledge through public address announcements and videos during each game. Pledge cards can be filled out at Spikes games throughout the season at the Collegiate Pride Customer Service Center on the main concourse behind home plate.

United-WayAt the end of the season, businesses and individuals who have made home run pledges will be invited to participate in an on-field check presentation with First National Bank, Spikes and Centre County United Way representatives. Plus, any individual who joins the Home Run Club will receive two (2) free Spikes tickets to a future game.

“Our ability to improve lives in Centre County is a direct result of the support and advocacy of the Spikes and First National Bank,” said Tammy Gentzel, Executive Director of Centre County United Way. “We are having fun with this opportunity to ‘play ball’ and to Live United with two incredible community partners. We hope Spikes fans will join in the fun and make the Home Run Club a great success.”

The Spikes’ partnership with the Centre County United Way this season also includes the seventh annual Centre County United Way Partner Agency Series. The Partner Agency Series will shine the spotlight on 15 different organizations over the course of the summer.

The dates and spotlighted agencies for the Spikes’ CCUW Partner Agency Series are as follows:

  • June 27: Mid-State Literacy Council
  • June 29: Child Development & Family Council, Centre Crest Auxiliary and Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • July 6: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • July 10: The Arc of Centre County
  • July 12: House of Care and Centre County Child Access Center
  • July 13: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • July 22: Centre HomeCare/Crossing Hospice
  • July 24: Easter Seals
  • July 26: Centre County Youth Service Bureau – presented by Stocker Chevrolet Subaru
  • August 1: Juniata Boy Scout Council and Skills of Central PA
  • August 2: TIDES
  • August 3: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
  • August 4: Centre for Alternatives in Community Justice
  • August 14: Strawberry Fields

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes1. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes recognized as a PA “Waste Watcher”

Team one of 76 statewide to be honored for green initiatives

StateCollegeSpikes_2013-11-07Env

 

The State College Spikes were recently recognized by The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) – Keystone Chapter for the team’s outstanding recycling program and related ballpark and community outreach efforts from the 2012 calendar year.

The Spikes were one of 76 municipalities, counties, private businesses, individuals, and community organizations to be recognized as part of the Pennsylvania Waste Watchers Program. This program highlights recycling, waste reduction, reuse, and composting programs in Pennsylvania that have exhibited exemplary performance.

The team and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park were recognized in part for the distinction as the world’s first L.E.E.D Certified ballpark and for the team’s dedication to promoting green initiatives during home games. In addition, the Spikes’ popular school program called “Project I.K.E.,” which stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly,” has provided dozens of free and fun school assemblies the past three years. The program, which has been sponsored by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, incorporates team mascots, players and staff to teach children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

Of the 76 Waste Watcher recipients, 19 were based in Centre County. The Spikes would like to congratulate fellow local “Waste Watchers” Autoport Restaurant, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Columbia Gas of PA Inc., Corl Street Elementary School, Foxdale Village, Gray’s Woods Elementary, Harris Township Memorial Day Festival, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Mount Nittany Middle School, Park Forest Elementary School, PSU School of Hospitality Management, Restek Corp., State College Friends School, The Art Alliance of Central PA, the Borough of State College, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, the Prom Attire Event, and Village Eatinghouse.

Additional information about Medlar Field at Lubrano Park’s L.E.E.D Certification and other club green initiatives is available by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes, B94.5 team up to help local fire victims

Tuesday’s drive to benefit victims of Waupelani fire

Help those in need after the Waupelani Drive fire at the Spikes/B94.5 Donation Drive on Tuesday!
Help those in need after the Waupelani Drive fire at the Spikes/B94.5 Donation Drive on Tuesday!

The State College Spikes are partnering with B94.5 to give fans the chance to help those displaced in the Waupelani Drive fire with a donation drive at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The drive will take place on Tuesday during the Spikes’ 7:05 p.m. game against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland Indians).

Fans can bring their donations inside the ballpark, with collection areas located at the ballpark gates. Items of particular need to the families affected by the fire include gift cards to area businesses, brand new clothing and diapers for infants and mothers, as well as books and toys for children ages 0-11. Any fan wishing to make a monetary donation towards the drive should contact the State College American Red Cross.

In addition, 95.3 FM 3WZ will be collecting gift cards at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park gates prior to Monday’s 7:05 p.m. game against Mahoning Valley. 3WZ will also collect gift cards at their 865 Benner Pike studios from 9-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at their live broadcasts from both the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and the People’s Choice Festival.

The donation drive will be part of the fun at the ballpark on Tuesday as the first 500 fans will receive cool Spikes t-shirts, presented by P.J. Harrigan’s, on T-Shirt Tuesday. Plus, 16 oz. Yuengling and Yuengling Light draft beers will be available for just $2.50 apiece during the Yuengling Happy Hour from 6-7 p.m.

Tickets for Tuesday’s game, as well as every game on the Spikes’ 2013 home slate, can be purchased online at StateCollegeSpikes.com, by calling (814) 272-1711, or by visiting the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office. Information on all Spikes single-game, season and group ticket packages is available at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes, NYPL team up for Scholarship Program

Graduating high school seniors from Central PA to compete for $2,500 top prize

StateCollegeSpikes_2013-05-22

 

The State College Spikes and the New York-Penn League are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets, including Central PA.

Now in its fifth year, the 2013 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact that the Spikes and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to the Spikes, with one applicant chosen to advance to the divisional round to represent State College. The Spikes’ nominee will then compete against representatives from the Auburn Doubledays, Batavia Muckdogs, Jamestown Jammers, Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Williamsport Crosscutters for the Pinckney Division’s $2,500 top prize. Any finalist who does not win the divisional prize will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are committed to giving back to our local communities and our annual scholarship competition has become one of the anchors of our community outreach program over the past five years,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “In addition to selecting those students who meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, we enjoy being able to assist those who have enjoyed many special memories with their hometown team over the years.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2013 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from the Spikes online at State College Spikes.com or in person at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Interested seniors may also visit the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the Spikes is June 28, 2013. The Spikes’ representative will be selected in late July and honored at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park during a Spikes home game in August.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Pink Night jerseys to honor breast cancer fighters

Fans can e-mail Spikes through June 1 to nominate family and friends
StateCollegeSpikes_2013-05-06

Over the past seven seasons, Paint the Park Pink Night has become one of the State College Spikes’ staple events by raising awareness of the fight against breast cancer. In 2013, the Spikes will join together with the Central PA community to put a personal touch on the battle, as fans can nominate family and friends affected by breast cancer to have their names commemorated on the Spikes’ special pink jerseys worn during the August 3 game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Starting today, and extending through June 1, fans will be able to e-mail the Spikes at painttheparkpink@statecollegespikes.com with the names of anyone who has battled breast cancer. The first 200 names e-mailed to the Spikes will then be printed onto the Spikes’ pink jerseys, which will be worn by the team for the eighth annual Paint the Park Pink Night, presented by Mount Nittany Health.

E-mail nominations must include the name of the person to be honored on the uniform, the name and address of the nominating person, and a short description of the person’s battle. The Spikes will be sharing some of these stories at the ballpark throughout Paint the Park Pink Night.

This occasion marks the first time that any baseball team will be honoring those who have fought breast cancer directly on their game jerseys.

The jerseys will then be auctioned off during the game to benefit the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center, with the winners receiving them on the field shortly after the final out of the night is made. In addition, the Spikes will use pink bats during the game, which will also be auctioned off to benefit the fight against breast cancer.

Single-game tickets for the Paint the Park Pink Night game on August 3, as well as all 38 regular season home dates in the 2013 season, are now available to purchase online at StateCollegeSpikes.com, by calling (814) 272-1711, or by visiting the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office. The Spikes, the Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, will open the club’s eighth season on Monday, June 17 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park against the rival Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). Information on all Spikes single-game, season and group ticket packages is available at State College Spikes.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes announce 2013 school programs

Programs expected to reach over 15,000 Central PA school children

StateCollegeSpikes_2013-04-15
Spikes mascots, players and staff can visit your school as part of each program

The State College Spikes have announced the team’s roster of 2013 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, but the common goal is to use the fun Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Most programs are supplemented by school assemblies involving mascots, players and front office staff, and all programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets and experiences at Spikes home games upon completion of fun program tasks. Last year, the Spikes reached over 15,000 Central PA school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

Below are capsules of the Spikes 2013 school programs:

Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly (which can be held outside or inside). During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Saturday, August 3, 2013.

Project I.K.E presented by Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority
Project I.K.E. is a collaboration between the Spikes and Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority teaching children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. The acronym in the program title stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly” and targets children in grades K-8. The Spikes, Ike the Spike and a representative from the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority will host educational school assembly visits for each participating school. Project I.K.E. also offers complimentary tours of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which demonstrates how the Spikes recycle and go green in the world’s first LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ballpark. As part of the program, students will be given an educational packet to complete, which can be redeemed for one complimentary Bullpen Box Ticket to a 2013 Spikes home game.

Spikes Student All-Star Program presented by Chick-fil-A and PSEA
In partnership with Chick-fil-A and the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the Spikes Student All-Stars program provides K-8 teachers around the region with a tool to reward students with free tickets to a Spikes game based on whatever criteria the teacher would like to establish in his/her own classroom. Each teacher within the Spikes geographic region receives six (6) forms to distribute to students. The program encourages teachers to incentivize students based on excellence in a subject, dramatic improvement in a subject, or by showing classroom leadership. Any student chosen will be provided with a free ticket to one of three pre-determined 2013 Spikes home games (July 7, August 4 and August 25), and will be honored as part of a special pre-game, on-field recognition ceremony.

Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball reading program for the 2013 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2013 season (July 6, July 27 and August 24). At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.

Spikes Essay Contest
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 or less word essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2013 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.

There is no cost for school to participate in any 2013 Spikes school program. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes school programs can contact Spikes Community Relations Manager David Wells at 814-272-1711 ext. 331 or dwells@statecollegespikes.com.

The Spikes, the Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, will open the club’s eighth season on Monday, June 17 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park against the rival Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). The Spikes will be home for 38 regular season home dates between June 17 and August 30. Single-game tickets for the upcoming 2013 season will go on sale to the public starting Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. Season Tickets, Value Plans, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and corporate hospitality options are currently available and can be reserved by calling (814) 272-1711. All Spikes ticket options can be viewed at State College Spikes.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.