State College Spikes ready to run

After receiving final approval from the New York-Penn League, Minor League Baseball and the Baseball Office of the Commissioner, Curve Baseball LP announced Monday that it has completed the purchase and relocation of the New Jersey Cardinals to State College.

Curve Baseball LP, an ownership group that also runs the Eastern League's Altoona Curve, had announced its intent to move the Class A Short-Season Cardinals to State College this past October. The following month, the name "Spikes" was chosen as the club's new moniker.

"Spikes" refers to the unforked antler of a young male deer, and is meant to represent the popular Pennsylvania pastime of deer hunting. The team will play in brand-new Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which it will share with Penn State University's baseball program.

"The entire process moved along as we anticipated, and we are thrilled to have completed the acquisition and relocation," said Curve Baseball LP President Chuck Greenberg. "Our entire organization has been working very hard to create the same level of fun, affordable family entertainment for Spikes fans that our Curve fans have enjoyed over the past seven seasons."

New York-Penn League President Ben Hayes echoed Greenberg's sentiments.

"The Curve Baseball LP ownership has established a sterling reputation throughout Minor League Baseball," he said. "Adding a market with the passion for sports that State College has, as well as bringing in a state-of-the-art facility like Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, is a great benefit for the league."

Now that the ownership and relocation process is complete, the Spikes have other business to take care of. After receiving final approval for the move, Curve Baseball LP announced the Spikes' 2006 schedule.

On what is sure to be a memorable occasion, the club will open its 76-game season at home against the instant-rival Williamsport Crosscutters on June 20. Season ticket packages are currently available for purchase, while single-game tickets will go on sale within the next several weeks.