State College Spikes to Honor Josiah Viera

The State College Spikes will honor the club’s inspirational former honorary bench coach, Josiah Viera, with a special tribute on what would have been his 19th birthday.

At the Aug. 20 game at Medlar Field against West Virginia, all Spikes players will wear Josiah’s retired No. 10 on the back of their jerseys and a logo drawn by Josiah with his credo “Never Give Up” on the front. Josiah’s number was retired at the 2019 Spikes home opener following his death on Christmas Eve 2018 at the age of 14.

The jerseys worn by the Spikes on Aug. 20 will be auctioned through the LiveSource app to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network’s work at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, where Josiah received care throughout his lifelong battle with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a terminal disorder that causes rapid aging.

Throughout the game, the Spikes will celebrate Josiah’s life and legacy. His love for baseball caught the attention of the Spikes, who invited him to a game in 2013, after which he immediately became part of the club.

In 2014, he was named honorary bench coach and his spirit and enthusiasm was an inspiration to the team, which won its first New York-Penn League championship that year. He became a fixture and welcome friend in the Penn State and State College communities, and with the Spikes, forming strong bonds with coaches, players and staff. 

As bench coach, Josiah was in uniform and had his own locker, and offered his advice and encouragement to coaches and players. He was part of the team for another NYPL championship in 2016.

The Spikes open the 2023 season, their third as part of the MLB Draft League and 17th overall in State College, on June 1 in Williamsport. They open their 40-game home schedule at 6:35 p.m. on June 2 at Medlar Field against the Crosscutters. Opening night will feature a schedule magnet giveaway and postgame fireworks, among other promotions.

For the full 2023 schedule and tickets, visit statecollegespikes.com