Long Beach State Athletics has launched a nationwide search to fill the vacant head coach position for the school’s baseball team.
Bryan Peters served as interim head coach of the Long Beach State (LBSU) Dirtbags during the 2024 season after former coach Eric Valenzuela exited the role last June after four seasons with the team.
Smitheran is now looking for a permanent skipper to lead the Dirtbags, following the team’s eighth place finish in the Big West Conference this past season. The team ended with a 10-20 record in conference play and an overall record of 25-29-1 (featuring a very rare tie).
“I would like to thank Bryan Peters and the entire baseball coaching staff for their hard work this past season and their dedication to the Dirtbags program,” said Long Beach State Athletics Executive Director Bobby Smitheran in a recent press release. “Bryan provided steady leadership during a challenging transition period and engaged our student-athletes and alumni in a positive manner that positions this program for future success.”
As of May 2024, 57 former Dirtbags have played in Major League Baseball (MLB). This includes current players such as New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, along with Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
The extensive list of Dirtbag alumni boasts multiple-time all-stars including Troy Tulowitzki, Evan Longoria and Jered Weaver. Weaver recently became the first former Dirtbag player to have his jersey number retired by the school, with a pre-game ceremony forever enshrining his #36 on the right field wall of Blair Field on May 10.
Historically, LBSU baseball has accrued four College World Series appearances and 22 NCAA postseason campaigns.
The team also boasts the best California college baseball attendance over the last two seasons. LBSU baseball broke their previous three-game series attendance record during a home matchup against Cal State Fullerton in March, attracting 8,948 fans to the stands of Blair Field.
With a new head coach signing on the horizon, the Dirtbags program is looking to continue its storied history and rebound from two consecutive underperforming seasons.
“Dirtbags Baseball is a national brand and identity grounded in excellence and a commitment to playing the game correctly,” added Smitheran in a recent press release. “Our fan base is extraordinary, and our attendance numbers continue to show that our fan experience is among the best in the West. I am excited to embark on a national search to identify the next leader of our storied program who will lead us back to national prominence at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.”
