Matt Chapman fell in love with Titans Baseball right off the bat.
At 8 years old, he attended his first game at Goodwin Field and was awestruck by the players’ strength, passion and talent. Years later, he began honing his baseball skills at Titans Athletics summer camp, where he earned his first dream role on the field — a Titan bat boy.
“Picking up Shane Costa and Justin Turner’s bats was a highlight of my childhood. I had a front row seat to how to carry yourself on the field, how to compete and how to never back down to a challenge,” said Chapman. “The Titans were my heroes.”
At the Jan. 24 Dinner With the Titans fundraiser, the San Francisco Giants third baseman shared how Titans Baseball fueled his love for the game while giving him the foundational tools he needed to thrive in the big leagues.
Joined by a crowd of current players, coaches, friends, family and alumni, Chapman donated $50,000 to the program that paved the way for his major league career, helping Titans Baseball raise more than $257,000 for new technology, scouting system software, recruiting and more.
Throughout his collegiate career, Chapman earned a myriad of accolades that foretold his major league success, including being named the 2012 Big West Freshman of the Year and earning the 2014 American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove Award.
“Cal State Fullerton holds such a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew as a person, where I became the player I am today, and where I learned what it truly means to be a Titan,” said Chapman.
Drafted in the first round by the Oakland Athletics in 2014, Chapman made his MLB debut in June 2017 and was signed by the San Francisco Giants last year. At the close of the 2024 season, Chapman was recognized for his defensive power, earning his fifth Rawlings Gold Glove Award since the start of his MLB career.
His achievements at the major league level have landed him among an impressive lineup of Titans Baseball alumni who have brought their skills to MLB, including Tim Wallach, Phil Nevin, Justin Turner, Tanner Bibee, Michael Lorenzen and more.
“When people in professional baseball know you came from Cal State Fullerton, there’s a certain respect that you’re given. The program carries that weight,” said Chapman. “For every one of us who has made it to the big leagues and found success, it’s because of the foundation that Cal State Fullerton helped us build.”
Off the field, Chapman encourages current players to focus on their education, noting that CSUF doesn’t just train professional ball players. It sets graduates up for success after baseball.
“That’s the beauty of college. You step into the unknown. You challenge yourself, and when it’s all over, you come out a better version of yourself. You come out a Titan,” said Chapman.
University President Ronald S. Rochon spoke to the program’s storied reputation and what it means to be a student-athlete at the top of their game.
“Everywhere I’ve traveled across our country, everyone always mentions Cal State Fullerton baseball,” said Rochon. “To be a Titan takes hard work, discipline, resiliency and collaboration.”
Titans Baseball will open its 2025 season Feb. 14 at home versus Stanford University, and the team will host the inaugural 2025 Big West Baseball Championship May 21-25 at Goodwin Field.