HISTORY / SINCE 1989
BUILT IN THE
DIRT.
DIRTBAGS HISTORY
The Dirtbag name grew from a style of play defined by grit, hard work, resilience, integrity, and pride.
MORE THAN
A NICKNAME.
WHAT IS A DIRTBAG?
The nickname of the Long Beach State baseball team refers to the program's style of play and its success against higher-profile programs.
The moniker was coined for Coach Dave Snow's first team in 1989. Made up of nearly all new players, the team played without a home field, practiced at a local all-dirt Pony field, won its first 18 games, and advanced to Long Beach State's first College World Series.
Then-infield coach Dave Malpass took his infielders to the all-dirt field for rigorous workouts. They returned to the regular practice field covered in dirt. The name Dirtbags was born.
1989
Coach Dave Snow's first team won 18 consecutive games and advanced to Long Beach State's first College World Series after practicing on an all-dirt field and playing without a permanent home field.
The name is born
1993
The identity resurges
After starting 12-12, the Dirtbags won 34 of their next 41 games and finished three outs short of the National Championship game.
1998
A NATIONAL STAGE
The Dirtbags returned to the College World Series and became a fan favorite as the country received another lesson in Dirtbag baseball.
DIRTBAGS BASEBALL / A LEGACY OF GRIT
THE STANDARD
Grit with
Purpose.
Being a Long Beach State Dirtbag represents more than playing baseball. It reflects passion, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the hardworking spirit of Long Beach.
Dirtbags strive to leave everything on the field while carrying themselves with integrity and sportsmanship away from it.
WHAT IS A DIRTBAG? / ESPN CLIP
SUPPORT THE DIRTBAGS
HELP CARRY
THE LEGACY
FORWARD.
Support Long Beach State Baseball and its student-athletes, or contact the Collective to learn more.