Jan. 22, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Former Penn State pitcher Craig Clark (Phoenixville, Pa.) will be one of 22 non-roster invitees heading to San Francisco Giants' Spring Training in February, as announced by the club on Thursday. Clark, who will participate in his first-ever Major League Spring Training, is among some of the Giants' top prospects heading to Scottsdale, Ariz.
"It's an honor to be invited," said Clark. " I will go out there and work every day. You never know what can happen; you've just got to work hard. It will be a good learning experience."
Clark excelled for the High-A San Jose Giants last season, finishing with a 16-2 record and 2.86 ERA. In the process, he became the third San Jose pitcher in the last four years to win California League Pitcher of the Year accolades.
He also made news on June 1 by striking out 10 consecutive Stockton Port batters to tie a league record.
"[The players] deserve the opportunity to get looked at," said San Francisco vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans on the Giants' official website. "That's a tribute to the season they had last year, as much as anything."
The Giants' pitching staff is considered one of the best in the game, highlighted by two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and fellow lefty Barry Zito, who also has a Cy Young under his belt.
"I'm going to listen and learn as much as I can," said Clark. "Learning from all them who have actually been there and done well will be an awesome experience."
In other news, former Nittany Lion pitcher Nate Bump (Towanda, Pa.) is returning to the Keystone State after signing a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies' Double-A, Triple-A and Major League clubs are all in Pennsylvania as potential 2010 destinations for the former Giants first round draft pick.
The 2010 season is quickly approaching as the Nittany Lions begin play on Feb. 20 against Coppin State. The home opener is Mar. 26 vs. Hofstra. Check back to GoPSUsports.com over the coming weeks to stay up to date as the squad prepares for an exciting year.
Season Tickets start as low as $20 for youth 18 and under and as little as $63 per adult. Student season tickets are also only $20 as well. Fans may reserve VIP seating for only $99 per season ticket "In the Box" behind home plate.
Fans interested in ticket information can direct any questions or comments by email: psubaseball@athletics.psu.edu or phone (1-877-997-7453) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. To keep updated on all ticket information, benefits and promotions, check out the baseball team page on GoPSUsports.com.
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