FULLERTON, Calif. --- Friday marked the unofficial start of the 2017 season, as the Titans held their first full practice of the spring at Goodwin Field.
The team practiced as a full unit for the first time since the fall and didn't seem to miss a beat on Friday.
"The guys looked good," said head coach Rick Vanderhook. "It was good to see them get out here all together and pick up right where they left off. It's not about learning new skills at this point, it's all about refreshing and practicing the skills we learned in the fall."
Fullerton returns 21 letterwinners from a year ago and welcomes in 13 newcomers to what should be a stacked 2017 team, which finds itself ranked in all five major preseason rankings. The Titans are placed as high as No. 8 in the nation by Baseball America.
In addition to the 21 returners from a year ago, the Titans bring back four all-conference performers in sophomore Colton Eastman (RHP), senior Timmy Richards (INF), junior Connor Seabold (RHP) and junior John Gavin (LHP). The Titans will also be under the leadership of four-time Big West Coach of the Year Rick Vanderhook, who enters his sixth season as head coach.
Eastman has been named to Collegiate Baseball's All-American Second Team, while Seabold was considered a top-100 MLB Draft prospect by Baseball America.
Fans will get their first opportunity to see the 2017 Titans on Saturday at Goodwin Field, as Fullerton will hold its annual Alumni Game at 2 pm PST.
SIGN UP FOR DINNER WITH THE TITANS
Please join us for our annual fundraiser benefiting the Cal State Fullerton Baseball Program. This year's event will feature a keynote address by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager, Mike Scioscia. The evening will include dinner and drinks, live music, silent auction and a live auction. It will also be a great opportunity to mix and mingle with both current and former Titan baseball players. Funds raised from Dinner with the Titans will directly benefit the nationally-renowned Titan Baseball Program. CLICK HERE to sign up!
OPENING WEEKEND
In honor of Augie Garrido and his extraordinary career, a limited amount of Augie Garrido bobbleheads will be available to fans who purchase a "winning" program any time during Friday's game. "Winning" programs will be marked with a specific stamp that will allow fans to pick up their bobblehead at the various marketing tables around Goodwin Field. Programs will be $3 and available at various marketing tables around the field. Garrido will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's game. The celebration will continue on Saturday, as fans will receive special edition Augie Garrido soda cups while supplies last. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets!
SUPPORT THE TITANS!
Fans can purchase tickets for various Cal State Fullerton athletic events by visiting FullertonTitans.com/Tickets. The Athletic Ticket Office can also be contacted by phone at 657-278-2783 or by email at athletictixs@fullerton.edu. The Ticket Office is located at the Titan House off of Gymnasium Drive at the eastern end of the Intramural Fields and is open from 10 am – 4 pm PT, Monday – Friday.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), Twitter (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (FullertonTitans) and Snapchat (FullertonTitans). In addition, the baseball team has established its own Twitter (@BaseballTitans) and Instagram accounts (csf_titanbaseball).