As 2023 season approaches, State College Spikes announce plans to honor life of Josiah Viera

Matt Hymowitz
·2 min read

The State College Spikes, whose 2023 season is about to begin, announced plans to honor the life of former honorary bench coach Josiah Viera.

On Aug. 20, every Spikes jersey will bear No. 10. That was Josiah’s number and was retired on opening night in 2019 after his death on Christmas Eve 2018. The jersey fronts will feature a logo that Josiah drew with his motto, “Never Give Up.”

The jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, where, the Spikes said, Josiah received “outstanding care throughout his lifelong battle with progeria, a rapid aging condition.” Bids for the jerseys will be taken on the LiveSource app at livesourceapp.com.

The team “will celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most inspirational individuals the baseball world has ever known, as Josiah’s perseverance and enduring spirit remain with Spikes fans to this day,” the Spikes said in a statement.

The Spikes made the announcement Thursday, which would have been Josiah’s 19th birthday.

Opening day approaches

The Spikes will open their third season in the MLB Draft League on June 1 under second-year manager Dave Trembley.

The home schedule begins June 2 when the Spikes host the Williamsport Crosscutters at 6:35 p.m., and it will be a busy night. The first 500 fans will receive a schedule magnet, and children 12 and younger can run the bases after the game. Throughout the game, fans can enter for a chance to throw a pitch from the mound through a target at home plate for $25,000. Opening night will be capped off by a fireworks show that will salute baseball music.

Single-game tickets can be purchased at statecollegespikes.com. For other ticket packages, call the Spikes at 814-272-1711.

Schedule notes

  • The Spikes play 40 home games this season, which ties for the most in franchise history.

  • With the exception of June 5 and July 3, the Spikes have every Monday off during the season.

  • The first half of the season runs June 1-July 4 and features amateur/draft-eligible players who play 30 games. The second half runs July 7-Sept. 2 with professional players who play 50 games.