Main League Baseball participant Michael Lorenzen returned dwelling Friday for a Cal State Fullerton dinner with the Titans fundraiser, serving to his former workforce increase 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’ve all the time been and by no means look again. That’s my aim for this program, and I’ll do every thing in my energy to attain that.”
About 420 individuals attended the occasion, together with present gamers, coaches, buddies, household, and alumni. Among the many crowd had 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 previous, he knew he wished to play professionally.
“I performed for all these groups rising up, and all these youngsters had 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 wished to be a Main League Baseball participant, however first, I wished to be a Titan.”
Lorenzen joined the Titans in 2011, and rapidly earned recognition because the 2011 Large West Convention Freshman of the Yr. Later in his collegiate profession, his toughness and athleticism earned him a spot on the mound, the place he had a 5-0 document and 35 saves and 42 rebounds. Two years of enjoying.
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 a part of them within the 2023 season.
“There is a stage of play that is anticipated at Cal State Fullerton, and when you do not meet that customary, 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 in regards to the sport.
“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 necessary for a participant to recollect his roots. After he headed the fundraiser final 12 months, this 12 months he is again to point out his assist for this system.
“Do not forget the place I come from. This program has been the bedrock of every thing I’ve accomplished in my life, moreover my highschool days. I have been lucky sufficient to play for an excellent faculty coach and an excellent 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 sport compound and the primary season of head coach Jason Dietrich. Echoing Lorenzen’s deal with the longer term, Fergie additionally inspired the workforce to start out contemplating the 2023 Faculty World Collection.
“These gamers and coaches, previous and current, are and can endlessly be an enormous a part of my soul. Titan baseball will endlessly be the heartbeat of the Titan household,” mentioned Fergie. “I wish to thank everybody for supporting this workforce and persevering with to take this program to higher heights.” New. Bear in mind, Omaha is only one,544 miles away, so let’s benefit from the trip.”
This spring, the workforce 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 would like these guys to enhance slightly bit day by day and continue to grow. We’re excited to see what this workforce can do that season. In the event you take a look at our schedule, you may see that is what the Titans do. We play higher as a result of we really feel like we’re one of the best,” Dietrich mentioned.