Dirtbags in the Majors: Jered Weaver's No-Hitter (May 2)

Former Dirtbag Jered Weaver threw his first no-hitter of his career and the second no-hitter of the 2012 MLB season. Weaver allowed just two Minnesota Twins batters on base last Wednesday night and had nine strikeouts. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher was the 2011 American League Cy Young Runner-Up and Long Beach State will be honoring Jered Weaver with a bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, May 19 at Blair Field when the Dirtbags take on Pacific at 5:30PM. For tickets and more information please visit LongBeachState.com.

Dirtbags in the Majors: (April 23-29)

Danny Espinosa - Washington Nationals #8 2B
- Second Baseman Danny Espinosa finished sixth in the Rookie of the Year voting, playing 158 games and hitting 21 home runs
- 2012 Update: Espinosa opens the year as the starting 2B for the Washington Nationals

Marco Estrada - Milwaukee Brewers #41 RHP
- Marco Estrada returns to the Milwaukee Brewers rotation in his fourth season in the majors
- 2012 Update: Has pitched out of the bullpen and spot started for the Brewers, currently holds a 3.71 ERA on the season

Jason Giambi - Colorado Rockies #23 1B
- Jason Giambi, who at 41 years-old extends his own record with the longest Major League career for a former Dirtbag, entering his 18th season of service.
- The 2001 AL MVP is a five-time All-Star and hit .260 with 13 home runs last season for the Rockies
- 2012 Update: Pinch hitter and veteran presence on Rockies bench

Evan Longoria - Tampa Bay Rays #3 3B
- 2012 Update: Longoria had a 4 RBI night. Including a 3-run HR April 27 vs. Texas.
- Batting .319 with four home runs and 18 RBI through the first 20 games of the season

Bryan Shaw - Arizona Diamondbacks #39 RHP
- Bryan Shaw made 33 appearances out of the bullpen for the Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a 2.54 ERA with 24 strikeouts
- 2012 Update: Shaw picked up his second save of the year Sunday, getting the final four outs of the game, one of them coming on a strikeout. (Sun Apr 15)

Troy Tulowitzki - Colorado Rockies #2 SS
- 2012 Update: Tulo has hit safely in six of his last seven games with two home runs and four RBI
- Tulowitzki went 2-for-6 with a home run, two runs scored and one RBI during Friday's win over the Mets. (Fri Apr 27)

Jason Vargas - Seattle Mariners #38 SP (Starting Pitcher)
- 2012 Update: Vargas started the second official game of the 2012 season, throwing 6.1 innings for Seattle as the Mariners faced Oakland in Japan in a two-game series
- Vargas took the loss despite a quality start Sunday, April 29 allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings, striking out four.
- 3-0, 3.38 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 27 strikeouts

Jered Weaver - Los Angeles Angels #36 (Starting Pitcher)
- 2012 Update: Weaver tossed six shutout innings, allowing seven hits and walking four while striking out eight, but was left with a no-decision against Cleveland Friday night. (Fri Apr 27)
- 3-0, 2.02 ERA, .95 WHIP, 36 strikeouts

Vance Worley - Philadelphia Phillies #49 (Starting Pitcher)
- 2012 Update: Currently he holds a 2.16 ERA and a 2-1 record, he earned his second win with another quality start allowing just one run over six innings Tuesday against Arizona (April 24)

Social Media Night at Blair Field (4.15.11)

This Friday LBSU will host our first ever Social Media day at Blair Field as the Dirtbags take on UC Riverside. The theme is in an effort to bring awareness to LBSU's various new media outlets including, the Black and Gold Insider, twitter and facebook.

Fans posting photos of themselves decked out in their black and gold to Long Beach State Athletic's facebook page could be featured on the video board during the game. Moreover, they are eligible to win two free lift tickets for Mountain High!

In game there will be the opportunity for fans to tweet-up. Select tweets will be displayed on the video board.

Fans will be encouraged to like the facebook page either through their smart phone or at a laptop located at the marketing booth. Once fans do so (or show that they were already a fan) a representative at the marketing booth will provide them with a gift card for a free double-double at In n Out.

In addition to showing their support for Long Beach State, fans who are interactive during the game on facebook or twitter will be entered to win a Dirtbags VIP package.

As always the Black and Gold Insider will be blogging live from the game to keep interactive fans who cannot make it out to Blair Field up to date on the latest Dirtbags' news.

Live Blog: Dirtbags vs. UC Davis Aggies 4/9/2011

LBSU Athlete of the Week: Ino Patron (4/4/2011)

This week's Long Beach State Athlete of the Week award was nabbed by freshman infielder Ino Patron. Patron was an integral part of a potent Dirtbag offense that exploded for 20 runs last Friday night. Coupled with a win on Saturday, the Dirtbags won their conference opening series against Pacific by outscoring the Tigers 30-7.

On the weekend Patron hit .667 and had an OBP of .786

 

Black and Gold Insider: How does it feel to be named Long Beach State Athlete of the Week?

Ino Patron: It is an honor to be named Long Beach State Athlete of the Week. A lot of guys on our team had a great week so I feel lucky to get this award.

How do you explain the 20 run outburst you guys had at Pacific? Were you surprised at all? How do you build on a highly successful day like that?

Ino Patron: We had a good game plan going into that game and Coach Gilbert prepared us really well for their pitchers. I think you will always be surprised when you put up 20 runs on a team, but I felt like we were due to have an offensive outburst because we were in tight ball games all year and never really got the bats going yet. You build on a successful day like that by continuing to work hard and preparing the right way and not worrying about results by staying in the present and focusing on winning every pitch.

What did you guys learn about your team playing the very tough non-conference schedule, and how do you think that experience will help you in conference play?

Ino Patron: We learned that we can compete with any team in the country and that we are not afraid what the other team’s jersey says. We go out there and play the game of baseball. This non-conference play will help us in conference play because we know how to win in tight games and we stick together throughout everything that happens in a game.

What's the atmosphere like around the team in the clubhouse and dugout?

Ino Patron: The atmosphere around the team and in the clubhouse and dugout is pretty loose. We all like to joke around and have fun. I think we have taken on the personalities of the coaches in a way and they keep us loving the game and getting down to business. When it comes to game time and practice we have to go to work and get it done.

What does it mean to be a Dirtbag?

Ino Patron: It is a privilege to be called a Dirtbag. It means to play the game hard and the right way. To bleed black and yellow and by the end of the game have some dirt on your jersey.

This Week At Long Beach State (4/4/2011)

Welcome back from spring break students and fans, do we ever have a busy week for you to get back in the Black and Gold swing of things. There are a total of ten home sporting events this week for Long Beach State across four different sports.

Tuesday
It all gets started Tuesday with the Dirtbags vs. San Diego State Aztecs @ Blair Field, 6:30 p.m.

The Dirtbags come home after a series win against Pacific in the opening weekend of Big West Play, and will face an Aztecs club in mid-week action that comes limping in with a 9-19 record, having most recently lost two out of three to Oral Roberts. SDSU is 2-4 in midweek games.

Wednesday 
Men's Volleyball vs. UC Irvine @ Walter Pyramid, 7:00 p.m.

The Black and Blue Rivalry Series is on once again at the Pyramid with LBSU men's volleyball taking on the rival Anteaters. The 'Eaters and 49ers are ranked No. 4 and 5 respectively in this week's AVCA Coaches Poll. The two squads split their previous two matches earlier in the year, with Long Beach coming out on top Jan. 7, 3-1 at the UCSB Elephant Bar Tournament. UCI earned their own 3-1 victory over LB State Feb. 16 at Bren.

Friday
Women's Tennis vs. Oregon Ducks @ Rhodes Tennis Center, 2:00 p.m.
The 49ers and Ducks will take a break from conference play and battle on the hard court. Oregon is 7-11 on the year, and have lost their last five matches. LBSU holds a 13-5 record overall, most recently winning two out of three matches during a Mid-West Road Trip.

Dirtbags vs. UC Davis Aggies @ Blair Field, 6:30 p.m.
Big West play continues for the Dirtbags, taking on Davis in a weekend series. Long Beach State won their series this past weekend against Pacific, and were only denied a sweep of the Tigers because of a three run rally in the ninth of game three. Davis was swept by Fullerton this past weekend, as they were outscored by the Titans 25-2

Saturday
Women's Tennis vs. Cal Poly Mustangs @ Rhodes Tennis Center, 11:00 a.m.
Beach Tennis will tangle with ranked Big West foe Cal Poly in a crucial match for both teams.

Softball vs. Cal State Northridge @ 49er Softball Complex, 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
49er softball returns to Long Beach for a Big West showdown with the Matadors. CSUN are 13-20 overall on the year while LBSU boasts a 23-12 record, going 11-3 at home. Erin Jones-Wesley will look to continue her dominant freshman campaign in game 1.

Dirtbags vs. UC Davis Aggies @ Blair Field, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday night should see a packed Blair Field for Troy Tulowitzki bobblehead night. The first 1,500 fans at Blair will receive a replica of the former Dirtbag and now major leaguer. Come early to insure you can take Tulo home with you.

Men's Volleyball vs. UC San Diego Tritons @ Walter Pyramid, 7:00 p.m.
49ers host another MPSF foe Saturday night in the 'Mid.

Sunday
Softball vs. Cal State Northridge @ 49er Softball Complex, 1:00 p.m.

Dirtbags vs. UC Davis @ Blair Field, 1:00 p.m.

Baseball and softball wrap their weekend series with day games on Sunday. 


Hope to see you at the games this week, Go Beach!

Dirtbags vs. Oregon State Beavers (3.19.11)

Live Blog: Dirtbags vs. Oregon State 3/18/11

Big West Pitcher of the Week- Andrew Gagnon

LBSU pitcher Andrew Gagnon received multiple accolades this week for his stellar performance against #16 Arizona. Andrew struck out 7 over 7.2 innings, leading the Dirtbags to victory. Andrew is a junior majoring in communications who won the Friday Night Starter position last season. He sat down with the Black and Gold Insider to discuss his awards, the pronunciation of his last name, and his Beach Pride.

Dirtbags' Coaches Tour Concludes

Last night Coach Buckley, and the other Dirtbags' coaches made their final stop on the Coaches Tour at Beach Club. The event was a great success as many LBSU supporters came out to socialize with the coaches, and get ready for what promises to be an exciting 2011 baseball season.

Coach Buckley discussed the upcoming season with individual fans, and then took a moment to address the crowd as a whole before handing over the microphone to his assistant coach. Coach Buckley ensured that it will “be an interesting year, and a fun year” as he debuts as head coach. Buckley also stated that “it is going to be extremely exciting, and nerve-racking” to play with so many freshmen. Buckley’s assistant coach fielded questions ranging from how frequently the team plans on bunting to scouting reports on the other Big West Schools. The event left everyone feeling closer to the team, and energized for the season.

While the Alumni Weekend and the Coaches Tour are officially over, the Dirtbag’s season hasn’t even begun. The team kicks off the 2011 season on February 18 at Blair Field against rival Cal State Fullerton. Tickets are available at longbeachstate.com.

Dirtbag Alumni Weekend

This past weekend was of huge importance to Long Beach State and the Dirtbags as they hosted their annual alumni weekend.

The weekend kicked off with the leadoff dinner, held at The Grand in Long Beach. The dinner has a tradition of baseball greats, including Sparky Anderson, and Dirtbag alumni speaking to those in attendance about the program and giving words of wisdom to that year's team.

This year, former Dirtbag Evan Longoria, now a gold glover and silver slugger recipient for the Tampa Bay Rays, spoke about his personal story and gave wisdom to the team about new head coach Troy Buckley. Longoria lamented about Buckley's constant criticisms when he was playing at LBSU, remembering that if he missed one sign out of twenty Buckley would talk to him about it. Longoria warned the team that the constant hounding is a sign that Buckley cares, and that once he stops, you know he has stopped caring. The 2011 team was then introduced, and even with over 20 freshman it was clear they have begun the bonding process already.

Friday, many Dirtbag alumni made their way out to the 9th annual golf tournament held at Recreation Park Golf Course. Players such as Jason Giambi were in attendance, in an effort to raise funds to help renovate and modernize Blair Field.

Saturday, the Dirtbags took the field for the alumni old-timers and intra-squad games. Here current and former players had the opportunity to show off their skills in an informal manner. The "Dirt" and "Bags" teams ended in a 3-3 tie and showcased some of the young talent on the team. Fans got a good look at what to expect early in the season from a few of the newer names, including Coach Buckley as he showed he will stay true to the Long Beach tradition of all-out, gritty play.

The weekend ended with the first stop on the Coaches Tour. Coach Buckley spoke at Tantalum restaurant to fans about the upcoming season and will continue to do so. The Coaches Tour represents a chance for fans to interact with Coach Buckley and the rest of the Dirtbags staff.

Information for the next stop on the Coaches Tour:

2011 Dirtbags Coaches Tour, Stop #2 

Monday, February 7th, 2011, 5:30-7:00 PM 

Beach Club 

Great Year for Former Dirtbags

The 2010 baseball awards and accolades have been announced, and it was an impressive year for some Dirtbag Alums.

Evan Longoria and the Rays made it to the American League divisional round, where they fell to eventual AL champs the Texas Rangers. Longoria made it to the All Star game in Anaheim this summer, and his regular season performance at third base earned him his second Rawlings' Gold Glove- the award given to the best defensive player at each position in each league.

Troy Tulowitzki's club, the Colorado Rockies, didn't make the postseason, but Tulo was honored with multiple awards. Troy started out his season with a trip to the mid-summer's classic as well. Tulo not only won his first Gold Glove, but also took home his first Silver Slugger (awarded to the best hitting player at each position).

Jered Weaver, the Angels' ace was also elected to the All Star game this past season. Weaver was also the strike out king lead the league for the first time in his career.

Congratulations to these former Dirtbags as they continue to make LBSU proud!

Dirtbags Star in October Baseball

For baseball fans October means only one thing- the playoffs. And this October Dirtbag fans have much to be excited about.

Today, Wednesday the 6th, is the first day of Major League Baseball playoffs, and Dirtbag alumni have already been prominently displayed.

The postseason opened with the top American League seeded Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Texas Rangers. Former Dirtbag Evan Longoria went 1-4 in the Rays loss. Longoria is considered one of the Rays' best hitters and has the potential to be a true game changer this postseason. While it is never smiled upon to lose the first game of a series, especially with home field advantage, the Rays are comforted in knowing that they have an almost identical record on the road.

Other former Dirtbags in the playoffs this season are the Philadelphia Phillies' pitchers Vance Worley and Andrew Carpenter.

The Rays continue their journey toward the World Series tomorrow, Thursday the 7th at 11:30 am PT. The Phillies play their second game on Friday the 8th at 3 pm PT.

Keep rooting for your favorite Dirtbag alum this postseason!

Vote Tulowitzki for Roberto Clemente Award

Every year, each of the thirty Major League Baseball clubs nominates one player for the Roberto Clemente Award. The award is considered one of the most prestigious in baseball, and is based not on performance at the plate or on the mound, but instead in the humanitarian field. Clemente is celebrated as one of baseball's greatest humanitarians, as he lost his life in an untimely plane crash while delivering aide to Earthquake survivors in Nicaragua in 1972.

This year, the Colorado Rockies have chosen former Dirtbag Troy Tulowitzki as their Roberto Clemente award nominee. Tulo's on the field performance this season was one to remember, in September he posted numbers that had rarely been approached in the final month of the regular season- all the while helping to raise money for children's charities including The Special Olympics and The Children's Hospital. Tulowitzki has raised over $25,000 for these charities this season, and plans to do more in the future to continue to help children and raise awareness for these important causes.

Tulowitzki continually shows that community spirit does not end with the Dirtbags or the Rockies, but instead by making a difference and reaching out to those in need. Help LBSU and Tulo's fans everywhere by voting for him as the fans' choice for the 2010 Roberto Clemente award by clicking here and casting your vote before October 9, 2010.

Former Dirtbag Shows Off Skills

Jered Weaver, former Long Beach State Dirtbag, and current Los Angeles Angel took the mound in Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Weaver not only looked stellar as he regained his the major league lead in strikeout with 229 on the year, but he also showed off some that patent Dirtbag style of play. Being a Dirtbag is about playing with guts and grit- which is exactly what Weaver did as he was faced with a line drive coming straight back toward the mound.

Juan Pierre hit a wicked shot straight through the box, seemingly coming directly at Weaver. The pitcher  managed to get his glove in the way and caught the ball in an almost effortless motion. Immediately afterward he laid on the mound catching his breath for what must have been one of the most frightening moments of his career, and was met with a standing ovation by the crowd.

Weaver went on to have a solid outing in a loss to the ChiSox.

Fingers crossed for Weaver to maintain his stance atop MLB's strikeout leaders and bring another Major League credential back to Long Beach State.

Click Here To Watch A Video Of Weaver's Impressive Catch

Tulowitzki having September to remember

Though the Colorado Rockies may be fading out of the heated National League West race, Troy Tulowitzki continues to have one of the most astonishing Septembers in MLB history.

With his 37th September RBI on Saturday, Tulowitzki passed the previous NL record for most RBIs in September held by Cubs' Hank Leiber (1939) and Johnny Mize (1940.)

Tulowitzki went on to have 5 RBIs on Saturday, giving him 40 for the month, three behind the all time record for September set by Babe Ruth in 1927. With seven games remaining, Tulo has an excellent chance of passing Ruth and capping off his prolific month.

Along with his RBI record, Tulowitzki became only the third player in MLB history to hit 14 home runs in 15 games, Barry Bonds and Albert Belle being the other two. Tulo has 15 long balls this September.

Tulowitzki's torrid September led him to win back-to-back NL Player of the week awards, the first Rockie to ever accomplish that feat.

The national media has taken notice of Tulo's September to remember, including this feature in the Wall Street Journal.

Other Dirtbags around the majors
- Danny Espinosa bounced back from a cold streak on Sept. 22 by launching a home run and a triple, his first multi-hit game since Sept. 6.
- Bobby Cramer is off to a 2-1 start with the Oakland Athletics, making 3 starts and posting a 3.71 ERA
- Evan Longoria's Tampa Bay Rays are pushing toward posting the best record in the AL

The year of the Dirtbag

While no-hitters, perfect games and dominant pitching performances have led many baseball analysts to hail the 2010 MLB season ‘The year of the pitcher’ just as strong of an argument could be made that we are currently in ‘The year of the Dirtbag.’

Four Dirtbags made their MLB debut this year: pitcher Bob Cramer with the Oakland Athletics, catcher Brad Davis with the Florida Marlins, slugging infielder Danny Espinosa with the Washington Nationals and pitcher Vance Worley with the first place Philadelphia Phillies. These four additions bring the total number of Long Beach State baseball players to make the bigs at 38.



The newest Dirtbags to reach the MLB



But it hasn’t been just new coming Dirtbags to make an impact on this MLB season. Both Evan Longoria and Troy Tulowitzski were named starters in the All-Star game, and are pushing their respective teams toward the playoffs with Longoria’s Rays deadlocked with the New York Yankees for the AL East crown, and Tulo’s Rockies making their annual September push in the NL West.

Anaheim Angels’ starting pitcher Jered Weaver (also an All-Star) is having one of his best seasons, already posting a career high in strikeouts and his second lowest ERA since entering the league. Dirtbag alum and former American League MVP Jason Giambi has served as a veteran presence in Colorado’s clubhouse, while still providing clutch hits and walk off home runs.

With 13 players currently in the big leagues, Long Beach State has more professional alumni than any other school in the nation.