The importance of legacy hit home on Friday as the Titan Baseball community came together to celebrate the 2004 College World Series Championship team and its impact on future generations of Titan baseball players.
“I always remind student-athletes that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” said Cal State Fullerton Director of Athletics Jim Donovan. “Every day, we’re intentional to build on the legacy of our Titan Baseball alumni and donors.”
At the annual Dinner With the Titans fundraiser, current players, donors, alumni and fans honored the 2004 players who continued the legacy of Titan Baseball, while raising more than $170,000 for the program.
In 2004, under the leadership of former Head Coach George Horton, the Titan Baseball team won its fourth College World Series title after defeating the University of Texas at Austin. The 2004 lineup was stacked with such talent as Justin Turner, who achieved a career in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox as well as Kurt Suzuki, who played for 16 years in the majors.
Several players and coaches from the championship team returned home for the fundraiser, including Ricky Romero, who played with the Toronto Blue Jays and Jason Windsor, who made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2006.
“I came in as a junior college transfer in 2003, and I wanted to be part of the Titan family. I grew up watching the Titans. I knew that they were grinders and they had each other’s backs,” said Windsor.
“Baseball brings us together, and these people up here, that’s what it’s all about,” added Danny Dorn, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2006. “It is truly an honor to be a Titan.”
Over the past few years, support for the baseball program has allowed the organization to invest in the construction of the new baseball complex as well as new machinery and equipment. The program has also added a fuel station to the locker room, new backing for the dugout, strength and conditioning training and modern baseball technology.
Heading into the 2024 season, Head Coach Jason Dietrich emphasized the importance of this support as it helps the Titans stay competitive in an ever-changing college athletics landscape. In 2023, the team competed in the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2018. With eyes on the future, Dietrich said they’re focused on making the 1,544-mile trek to Omaha to compete for another championship title.
Among the fans cheering on the team this season will be CSUF President Sylvia Alva, who is ready for her first season of Titan Baseball.
“I had an opportunity to spend time at Goodwin Field, and I was so impressed with the facilities,” said Alva. “But what really drew my attention were the players who were training, practicing and preparing for what is sure to be a phenomenal season.”
The Titan Baseball team will kick off the 2024 season on the road with a three-game series at Stanford University from Feb. 16-18 before returning to Goodwin Field for its Feb. 23 home opener against Fresno State University.