Flashing continuously on the outfield scoreboard at Medlar Field is the phrase, "The Bucs Start Here."

It's a playful spin for the team that calls the stadium home, the State College Spikes, the single-A affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

But so far this season, and since the team's inception just three years ago, the phrase really should be changed to truly reflect the level of play of the Spikes.

"The Bucs Stop Here."

It's a little harsh, but have you seen this team play? We have, and let us tell you, it ain't pretty. The Spikes hold a record of 5-14, and are dead last in the New York Penn League. The sad thing is this league isn't brimming with some of the game's top future stars, who are just a few months away from their shot at the "bigs." In reality the competition within the 14-team league is abysmal.

As for the team, no Spikes player has more than eight RBIs, and only one player has more than five extra base hits 19 games into the season. At the beginning of the season the Spikes had nine shortstops on their roster, but to be fair, what team wouldn't want to have nine shortstops able to jump out and dismally field a ball over to first base at a moment's notice?

But the circus doesn't end with the players on the field. The coaches seem just as unenthused to be at the games as the fans do. And with remarks after a home slaughter such as "I'm more interested in players working on their swing and making contact," it's no surprise this team isn't drawing the fans out to watch, much less win.

So why even go out to see the team play?

Fortunately for fans, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is newer than the team itself, and features a breathtaking view of Mount Nittany hiding just behind centerfield. There's a Quaker Steak and Lube offering delicious wings, and good ole' Thirsty Thursdays, which bring dozens of fans to catch a glimpse of the action.

The field dimensions are an exact replica of PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Spikes' affiliation with the Pirates farm system, added to the fact that the Pirates haven't made the playoffs since the early 1990s, maybe the downright awful display of baseball that traditionally can be found at PNC Park is starting to become a regular at Medlar Field too.

It could be just a common theme for the organization.

One thing is for sure. So far in the Spikes history, the attendance, the revenues and the Bucs have all stopped here.