UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; July 7, 2006 - Former Nittany Lion third baseman Scott Gummo, who finished his career at Penn State this past season, became the second player from last year's squad to sign a free agent contract when he signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization on Thursday. He joins former pitching ace Alan Stidfole as Nittany Lion free agent signees, as Stidfole joined his brother in the Toronto Blue Jays organization last month. Gummo, who led the Nittany Lions and the Big Ten in walks and also was second in the Big Ten in on-base percentage in 2006, will join the Devil Rays' short season Single A affiliate in the New York-Penn League, the Hudson Valley Renegades, this weekend. Hudson Valley, which competes in the same league as the State College Spikes, also currently features former #1 draft pick Josh Hamilton on its roster. Gummo and the Renegades are scheduled to visit State College and play the Spikes in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park later this month in a three-game series July 25-27. The former Nittany Lion infielder played in all but one game this past season for Penn State, starting in 55 games. He led the team in home runs (5) and was second in batting average (.314) while topping the team in on-base percentage (.461) and walks (36). He was also plunked 16 times, second in the Big Ten. Gummo made just four errors in the field in over 100 chances and also reached base in 24 consecutive games at one point during the season.
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