Strike • Vance Worley and the current Dirtbag squad beat the pro alumni 7-2. Tracey Roman / Online Forty-Niner

Dirtbag squad impressive against LBSU pro alumni


By Kim Oswell
Online Forty-Niner
Sports Editor

Fans, family and friends cheered on alumni in Saturday’s Old Timers game and the Pro Alumni game.

The day began with the Old Timers game featuring players who once played for Long Beach State. The alumni rotated positions every inning and played eight solid innings.

Alumni player Jay Carballo, who played for the Kansas City Royals from 1990-93, had a group of friends cheering him on during the game.

“ This is my third time playing in the alumni game,” Carballo said. “I come back to see all the old Dirtbags and live the glory years.”

The current LBSU squad played against the professional alumni in the second game of the afternoon and won 7-2. Freshman pitcher Vance Worley baffled the alumni pitching five shutout innings and allowing only two hits. Evan Longoria was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and Robert Perry collected two hits and two runs.

Most of the pro alumni playing were minor league players who came out to support their Dirtbag heritage.

Bobby Crosby, shortstop for the Oakland Athletics, flew up to Oakland for the FanFest and back down to Long Beach in the same day.

“ I flew to Oakland this morning and came back for this,” Crosby said. “It’s fun every year and I look forward to it. We come out here and just have fun.”

Jered Weaver, who plays in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s farm system, pitched, played the field and was struck out by Dirtbag Brett Andrade.

The Dirtbags proved themselves against the pro alumni and showed they are ready for their home opener against USC.

The No. 16 ranked 49ers have been preparing and practicing during the preseason months. Jared Hughes is on radar for the Roger Clemens National Collegiate Pitcher of the Year award. It was given to Weaver two years ago and Hughes is one of the players to watch this season. He is ranked as the 15th-best junior in the country.

The 49ers start the season next Friday with home opener against USC at 6:30 p.m. Magnetic calendars with the Dirtbag schedule will be given to fans attending the game. The Beach plays a three game series against USC, finishing with Sunday’s game at 12 p.m. at Blair Field.

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