Megan McKeever

Collegian Staff Writer | Mmm5014@psu.edu

As families filtered into the State College Spikes' home last night, gifts began to pile up underneath a festively trimmed Christmas tree.

The Spikes played host to an open house last night to benefit the Salvation Army's annual Toys for Tots gift drive.

The event included a guided tour of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, with a behind-the-scenes look at areas that are usually inaccessible to the public.

Admission to the event was free, with one unwrapped toy per guest to benefit the Salvation Army, Stephanie Brown, community relations director for the Spikes, said.

"I'm impressed -- we started only a half hour ago and this is a great response," Brown said.

The front office, where the toy drive took place, offered hot chocolate, cookies and plenty of seats to view The Polar Express, which played on televisions throughout the ballpark.

General manager of the Spikes, Rick Janac, was on hand to greet guests and mobilize tours.

"We are really excited to put gifts under the trees of kids who normally wouldn't have Christmas," Janac said.

Tours were guided by Spikes' staff members and ran every twenty minutes. Guests visited the control room, press box, locker rooms and the player dugout.

The finale was a trip onto the field, where children were allowed to run the bases.

The most anticipated part of the tour was the opportunity for fans to practice their swing.

Evan Torris, 8, said his favorite part was the batting cages.

Teresa Torris, mother of Evan and his brother, Mattheus, 6, said the family, who lives in State College, found out about the event because they are season ticket holders.

Ike, the Spikes' mascot, was on hand to help children make and decorate Christmas presents.

Young Spikes fans had the opportunity to take pictures with Ike, which they then made into ornaments.

"If you ask the kids, I'm sure they would say their favorite parts were the chocolate chip cookies and the arts and crafts," Janac said. "We love the fact people can use our facility and have a fun night."

Santa Claus was also available for the children to take pictures with in the merchandise store, Brown said.

"This is absolutely a success -- we have had constant tours and I would estimate we have had 300 to 400 people show up tonight with gifts," Janac said.

The team will be hosting other events throughout the off-season, Janac said.

"This is a great opportunity -- it's one last chance to get together before the New Year," he said.