Main League Baseball participant Michael Lorenzen returned dwelling Friday for a Cal State Fullerton dinner with the Titans fundraiser, serving to his former staff elevate greater than $100,000 for the upcoming season.
“I wish to see this group succeed greater than something,” mentioned Lorenzen, who donated $20,000 earlier than delivering his speech because the night’s keynote speaker.
“I personally really feel a duty to assist this group and be sure that we construct again as much as be the energy we have now at all times been and by no means look again. That’s my purpose for this program, and I’ll do all the things in my energy to realize that.”
About 420 folks attended the occasion, together with present gamers, coaches, mates, household, and alumni. Among the many crowd have been a number of former CSUF baseball gamers who’ve had profitable careers MLBtogether with Connor Siebold, Scott Hearst, Tyler Pitzmeyer, W Phil Niven.
Rising up in Anaheim, Lorenzen mentioned he was obsessive about baseball, and after seeing his older brother, Jonathan, get drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers when he was eight years outdated, he knew he needed to play professionally.
“I performed for all these groups rising up, and all these children have been Titans followers, and I had by no means heard of Cal State Fullerton. My brother was drafted by the Dodgers, so all I knew was professional ball. I went to 2 video games,” Lorenzen mentioned. at Goodwin Stadium, and it was love at first sight.” “I needed to be a Main League Baseball participant, however first, I needed to be a Titan.”
Lorenzen joined the Titans in 2011, and rapidly earned recognition because the 2011 Huge West Convention Freshman of the 12 months. Later in his collegiate profession, his toughness and athleticism earned him a spot on the mound, the place he had a 5-0 report and 35 saves and 42 rebounds. Two years of taking part in.
He was drafted in 2013 because the thirty eighth general choose by the Cincinnati Reds, and after two years within the minor leagues, made his main league debut in April 2015. Lorenzen spent most of his profession in Cincinnati earlier than becoming a member of the Los Angeles Angels final season. After a brief stint as a free agent in 2022, the previous Titan was signed by the Detroit Tigers and can be part of them within the 2023 season.
“There is a degree of play that is anticipated at Cal State Fullerton, and when you do not meet that normal, you are accountable to them. It is one thing very particular about this program,” Lorenzen mentioned. of my main league profession.”
All through his MLB profession, Lorenzen has related with many former Titans, and has mentioned he’s proud to be within the firm of hard-working athletes who’re passionate concerning the recreation.
“Justin Turners, Kurt Suzukis – these are the fellows we see popping out of this program,” Lorenzen defined.
Nevin, the present supervisor of the Angels, added that it is crucial for a participant to recollect his roots. After he headed the fundraiser final 12 months, this 12 months he is again to indicate his help for this system.
“Do not forget the place I come from. This program has been the bedrock of all the things I’ve completed in my life, moreover my highschool days. I have been lucky sufficient to play for an important faculty coach and an important program with continued success,” Nevin mentioned.
President Fram Verjee talked about this system’s progress prior to now 12 months, highlighting the development of the brand new baseball recreation compound and the primary season of head coach Jason Dietrich. Echoing Lorenzen’s give attention to the longer term, Fergie additionally inspired the staff to start out contemplating the 2023 Faculty World Collection.
“These gamers and coaches, previous and current, are and can without end be an enormous a part of my soul. Titan baseball will without end be the heartbeat of the Titan household,” mentioned Fergie. “I wish to thank everybody for supporting this staff and persevering with to take this program to better heights.” New. Bear in mind, Omaha is only one,544 miles away, so let’s benefit from the journey.”
This spring, the staff will welcome 22 new gamers and 17 returning gamers. They may start the 2023 season at Goodwin Area on February 17 in opposition to Stanford College.
“We wish these guys to enhance somewhat bit every single day and continue to grow. We’re excited to see what this staff can do that season. In the event you have a look at our schedule, you will see that is what the Titans do. We play higher as a result of we really feel like we’re the very best,” Dietrich mentioned.