Spikes, Cardinals renew affiliation through 2020

The State College Spikes today announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC) with the St. Louis Cardinals. The agreement maintains the affiliation between the Spikes and the Cardinals through the 2020 New York-Penn League season, and comes four days prior to the Spikes hosting the 2018 New York-Penn League All-Star Game presented by the Central PA Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Spikes have developed a tradition of major on-field success as a Cardinals affiliate. 31 players have been selected to the New York-Penn League All-Star game from the Spikes as a St. Louis affiliate, including a record six players in 2017. Three more from this year's squad - Nick Dunn, Edwin Figuera and Delvin Perez - will be showcasing their talents on Tuesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for the South team.
In addition, State College's NYPL championships in 2014 and 2016 were both earned as a St. Louis affiliate, along with three NYPL Pinckney Division titles and a stretch of five consecutive 40-win seasons.
The extension is the third renewal of the Spikes' PDC with the Cardinals since the two franchises resumed their affiliation with one another in 2012. St. Louis also served as State College's Major League Baseball affiliate during the club's inaugural season in 2006.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with a first-class organization in the St. Louis Cardinals," said Spikes Chairman & Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg. "The Cardinals have provided a great on-field product for our fans, and have also provided tremendous support to our community outreach and promotional efforts. We look forward to what the relationship with the Cardinals will provide for fans in the future."
The Spikes are one of seven domestic affiliates in the Cardinals' Player Development System, joining the Memphis Redbirds (AAA/Pacific Coast League), Springfield Cardinals (AA/Texas League), Palm Beach Cardinals (Advanced A/Florida State League), Peoria Chiefs (A/Midwest League), Johnson City Cardinals (Rookie Advanced/Appalachian League) and Gulf Coast League Cardinals (Rookie).  
"We have enjoyed our seven years in State College and are looking forward to many more," said St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak. "We are grateful to Chuck Greenberg, Jason Dambach, and Scott Walker as they provide a tremendous environment to our players to grow on and off the field."
The Spikes are set to host the 2018 New York-Penn League All-Star Game presented by the Central PA Convention & Visitors Bureau on Tuesday, August 14. The All-Star festivities begin with the NYPL All-Star Tailgate Gala presented by Reinhart Foodservice on Monday, August 13, with ballpark gates then opening at 3 p.m. on Tuesday for autographs from the All-Stars and the opportunity to watch batting practice.
An array of stars led by team captains Ki-Jana Carter and Josiah Viera, plus gridiron greats Blair Thomas and Wally Richardson as well as a cavalcade of legends and celebrities will hit the field for the Celebrity Softball Game at 5 p.m. on Tuesday night, with the All-Star Game getting underway at 7:05 p.m. The showcase event will be followed by a fantastic FIREWORKS show presented by the Central PA Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Great seats are still available, and can be purchased by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting the Ticket Office in person from 9 a.m. to the end of the game on gamedays Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to the end of the game on gamedays Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on non-gamedays Monday through Friday.
Fans can also buy and download 2018 New York-Penn League All-Star Game tickets by clicking here.