Holt becomes 16th Spike to make Major Leagues

2009 State College Spikes Most Valuable Player Brock Holt became the 16th Spike to play in the Major Leagues on Saturday when he drew a walk and scored the tying run in the eighth inning for the Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee. Holt earned promotion from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier in the day when Major League rosters expanded to 40 players.

The ninth-round draft choice of the Pirates in 2009 out of Rice University, Holt made a mark in State College in his only season with the Spikes, leading the team with a .299 batting average and six home runs. The Stephenville, TX native also knocked in 33 runs and stole nine bases as a second baseman and shortstop for the 2009 Spikes, and placed third in the New York-Penn League in hits with 76.

Holt then earned a berth in the 2010 Florida State League All-Star Game with Advanced-A Bradenton the next year after hitting .351 with 27 RBI in 47 games, but suffered an early end to the campaign when he tore his left MCL. However, Holt would bounce back one season later to make it to the 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game for Double-A Altoona.

In 2012, the Texan tore up at Double-A Altoona with a .322 average, 24 doubles, two homers and 43 RBI through 102 games before being promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis in early August. Holt didn't stop producing at the next level, either, compiling an eye-popping .432 average, seven doubles and seven RBI through 24 games as he helped the Indians clinch the International League's Western Division title.

Holt joins 2009 Spikes Pitcher of the Year Kyle McPherson, who made his Pirates debut on August 20, on the list of Spikes to take the "Road to the Show" from State College to the Major Leagues. 2006 Spikes David Carpenter, Allen Craig, Mark Hamilton, Brendan Ryan, Luke Gregerson, Jason Motte, Adam Ottavino, Donovan Solano and P.J. Walters have all seen Major League action since the Spikes' debut season. The roll call of Spikes to the Majors also includes current and former Pirates Chase d'Arnaud (2008), Matt Hague (2008), Jordy Mercer (2008), Daniel Moskos (2007) and Tony Watson (2007).

Great seats are available for the final four remaining home games on the Spikes' 2012 home slate and can be purchased by visiting the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office, by calling toll-free (877) 99-SPIKES, or by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com to buy and print tickets from your home computer.