Nate Bump stood in front of the tunnel at Beaver Stadium and watched as Maurice Humphrey dove into the end zone for six points in the second quarter of Penn State's 52-7 victory over Indiana Saturday.

Bump, who until that point had his arms folded in front of him, clapped. During the game he took pictures with his wife and signed autographs for Beaver Stadium personnel.

Within minutes, the former Nittany Lion staff ace would be celebrated by those in attendance for his success as a relief pitcher with the World Series Champion Florida Marlins.

It was just five years ago that Bump left Penn State after being selected in the first round of the Major League Player draft.

According to Penn State baseball coach Joe Hindelang, Bump set the standard for Nittany Lion pitchers. But it's not only Bump's university records for wins, innings and strikeouts that set the standard but the way he went about it.

"It's a combination that is first of all his ability, but more importantly his attitude, work ethic, poise and calmness," Hindelang said. "He led by example. This is what people are capable of doing if they work hard."

All that effort and attitude led Bump to the Major Leagues, the World Series and back to Penn State.

"It feels great to be here," Bump said. "All these changes. And it's good to see a football game again."

After being announced to the crowd and given a miniature Nittany Lion statue by Hindelang and director of athletics Tim Curley, Bump walked back through the tunnel where fans had many things to say.

"It was good to see the little guys beat the big guys," one fan said,
referring to the small money Marlins beating the highly paid mercenaries that are the New York Yankees.

The Marlins defeated the Yankees in six games to win the World Series. While Bump didn't take the mound in any of the six Series games he did play an important role with the Marlins during the regular season.

Bump was called up on June 28, when the Marlins were in Boston. He pitched that night, his first batter being Red Sox superstar Manny Ramirez and got his first Major League victory. He went on to pitch in 32 games for the Fish, compiling a 4-0 record and a 4.71 ERA.

Those four wins were very important for the Marlins, who beat out the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League playoff spot by just five games.

The 27-year-old rookie grew up a Phillies fan but has no regrets about keeping his childhood team out of the playoffs.

"No. Gosh no," he said. "No sorry feelings. But it was nice to pitch at the Vet in its final season."

Veterans Stadium, the home of the Phillies since 1971 will be demolished in February.

Bump also got to pitch against the Sammy Sosa-led Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series, tossing three innings in two games. He said he thinks pitching in those games and being at the World Series will help him in his career.

"The experience is invaluable," he said, "to face a lineup like the Cubs had."

Walking through the stadium wearing a Penn State baseball hat, Bump discussed next season. He admitted he does not know the full extent of his role with the ball club yet. The team has many free agents including NLCS MVP Ivan Rodriguez, and it remains unclear which players will return to the World Series Champions

"I'd like to see them keep some of those guys but that's the nature of this game," he said.

Saturday, Bump enjoyed the game Penn State is most famous for, but spring training is just around the corner.