Long Beach State University Athletics
1964 Baseball Team Raises Support For Dirtbags
5/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Long Beach, Calif. -- With the first phase of Blair Field's renovation just around the corner, the baseball program's first championship team is making a splash at the Beach.  The 1964 Long Beach State team, which was led by coach Bob Wuesthoff, has spent the past several months working with the Beach Athletic Club and leading a group effort to raise over $40,000. The group's combined gift will leave a lasting impact at the facility in honor of the late skipper.
Coach Wuesthoff, who was in his first year as a head coach, took a team that had lost over 80 percent of its games the previous season, and turned them into a championship team just a year later.  His leadership inspired the 49ers' first baseball championship and a berth into the NCAA regional finals.
"Making a difference for people, which is what teaching and coaching is all about, has always been at the foundation of my life. It was what my father lived for. Long Beach baseball was established within these core values and is the living legacy of the amazing leadership and mentoring of Dr. John McConnell, coach John Gonsalves, and my father, the late Bob Wuesthoff", said son Rob Wuesthoff.  "Coaches play a profound role in the lives of young people and LBSU has been producing the highest quality coaches anywhere."
The 1964 team was honored at Blair Field with a private reception and public recognition before a game last season.  They reunited again this past Saturday to view the plaque that will forever live next to the Dirtbags locker room and recognize the roster, the school's first baseball championship, and Coach Wuesthoff.
Coach John McConnell, the first skipper in the program's history, added to the importance of the program's alumni being involved in the further success and the new Blair Field.  "Over the years, lasting friendships were developed with fellow instructors, students and student-athletes," mentioned McConnell.  "To support this program and the department is a privilege, not a burden."
To date, more than 25 former players from the 1964 team have financially supported the campaign. 
"This team is perhaps the most recognized team by number of 49er Hall of Famers, totaling five including honorary Assistant Coach Dr. John Mc Connell, long time baseball head coach John Gonsazales, Rick Bryson, Don Anderson and our beloved coach Bob Wuesthoff," said former player and Beach Athletic Club supporter, Jack Hoffman. 
"I attribute a lot of my successes to the education that I received at LBSU and the interaction with the members of the baseball team," said former player and supporter of the campaign, Rich Ramirez.  He continued, "Also to the faculty and to the great coaching by a great man, who taught us so much more than baseball and life, Coach Wuestoff."
For more information on the Beach Athletic Club, please visit www.beachathleticclub.com or call (562)985-4550.  For information on the Blair Field renovation project, please contact Wayne Stickney at (562)985-5402.
