Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State Announces New Steve Trachsel Bullpen
2/12/2021 1:41:00 PM | Baseball
MLB alum and LBSU Hall of Famer Steve Trachsel has helped fund a renovation project at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field that provides the Dirtbags with a brand new, home bullpen down the third base line.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Long Beach State announced the latest renovation project at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field to the public on Friday. The aptly named Steve Trachsel Bullpen provides the Dirtbags with a newly renovated home bullpen down the third base line providing a huge upgrade to the facility.
“This is an exciting day for Dirtbag Nation,” said Athletic Director Andy Fee. “With this renovation, we’re continuing to build the program and provide the foundation to return to Omaha. And to have Steve [Trachsel]’s name attached to that... he is not just financial support, but emotional support. We know how much Steve cares about this university and this program and it’s an honor that he’s continuing to give back.”
“Blair Field really is a staple in our city and we are proud to have it as our home for the Dirtbags," said Associate Athletic Director of Development Camden Stockton. "We plan to invest in this facility and bring it to the standards of our top 25 baseball program.”
Long Beach State Hall of Famer Steve Trachsel went on to say, “I came back for a Regional game one year and to see all the improvements to the campus and to Blair [Field], it made sense to continue that. The Dirtbags have a long history of players making it to the major leagues and anything I can do to help the improvement and recruitment for more players to come and to help turn Blair Field into the place we expect it to be is a no-brainer.”
Overall, the area will have two clay mounds and one turf mound as well as two sets of home plates to serve a large purpose for the pitching staff to work on. There will also be a small field for bunting drills, so it serves as a huge advancement for the development of both, the Dirtbag pitchers and hitters.
“This means a lot. It’s huge for our program and the development of our athletes,” Head Coach Eric Valenzuela stated. “When I was lucky enough to be hired here, the two things at the top of our list were to recruit the best players in the country and to develop them. And this does both.”
The Dirtbags open up their 2021 campaign at Hawai’i beginning on March 19. They will play host to CSUN on March 26 for their home opener at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.
Fans can purchase cutouts of themselves to be in the stands at www.longbeachstate.com/springcutouts.
