The Los Angeles Angels hired former Titan standout Kurt Suzuki as manager, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon.
Suzuki spent 16 years playing for five franchises and won the 2019 World Series with the Washington Nationals. He had spent the past three years as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian.
Suzuki spent his last two seasons, 2021 and 2022, as a backup catcher with the Angels and drew rave reviews for his handling of the pitching staff.
Suzuki is one of the most notable Titans of all-time, as he spent three years from 2002-04 as arguably the best catcher the university has ever seen. Suzuki put together a special career at Cal State Fullerton, which culminated with a senior season that saw him hit .413, recording 16 home runs and 87 RBI on his way to claiming the Brooks Wallace Award. He also was presented with the Johnny Bench Award. The Brooks Wallace Award is given to the nation’s most outstanding player, while the Johnny Bench Award is handed out to the country’s best catcher.
While Suzuki’s personal statistics were second to none, he was also an instrumental part of CSUF’s 2004 National Championship team.
Suzuki’s .413 batting average in 2004 still ranks fifth all-time in school history, while the 87 RBIs rank sixth and the 104 hits rank seventh. His career .491 on-base percentage is still the highest in program history, while his .996 career fielding percentage is second highest in school history.