Long Beach State

Perennially is one of the top Big West programs that moves on to Regional’s. They have a new coach (Troy Buckley) and have started building a staff. They hired Jesse Zepeda from Cal Poly SLO as the recruiting and hitting coach. I am not sure about any other additions. They play in a very tough conference so time will tell if the new coaches can get the program heading in the right direction. Could be in a bit of a rebuilding period, which is maybe why they are looking for JC transfers and outside of So Cal, which is usually full of enough talent to stock the programs in the area.

Long Beach is a working class town between LA and Orange County, and like many Cal State campuses it is a bit of a commuter school. The waterfront area has undergone a transformation over the past few years and is very nice place to visit. Weather will be great compared to what he is used to. As far as I know the baseball program is very well supported by the school and the City of Long Beach. They play at Blair Field, which is a couple of miles from the Campus, and where the Area Code games are held. Nice facility. Don’t know much more than this about what is actually going on within the program. Buckley is a pitching coach so I am not sure if he will handle this or hire someone else.

Clint,
I would much rather see him go to one of the other schools he is considering. ;-) BUT, I came across an article you might find interesting.

http://www.presstelegram.com/moresports/ci_16246112

Thanks, MTH
Very interesting read. Recruiter from LBSU called again and they are trying to arrange an official visit.
Matt is scheduled to be in your area Oct 16-17:
Pep is in town tonight (Monday) for scout night!
Thanks again for the info.

Troy Buckley is a good coach who is well liked by the players. I am not sure if it Coach Weathers or Buckley but someone cleaned house and LBSU started the school year with only 9 scholarship athletes. Even in a down year like last year, 8 players were drafted. This is not unusual. If you come to the Beach, be prepared to play the best of the West Coast, UCLA, USC, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Arizon and Arizona State. The Beach is usually in the top 10 for tough schedules. The home field, Blair Field, is one of the best small parks in America according to Baseball America. The University has taken over the stadium from the city and plans major improvements. Attendence isn't what you will find in the SEC or ACC, but the crowd is knowledgeable and supportive. Long BEach State is a good school and the Southern California area will be a great place to spend the next couple of years

Long Beach State is a good school?? Hard to buy that one. Can't disagree with the assessments about the baseball program but let's not get crazy here.

While not a Harvard or even UCLA, LBSU is still a good solid school. US News gives it good ratings. The biggest issue is overcrowded, makes it tough to get the classes needed, although being an athelte, may help. And in reality, it is about fit and the indiviuals needs. While not a complete Long Beach homer, I live there, I would not be adverse if my kids attended there, which they didn't. Location, Coaching, Strength of Schedule, and academics makes Long Beach a good choice.

A JC LHP/Outfielder from our area just visited them last week. I don't know how that is going to turn out. He's a low to mid 80's type with lots of pitchability. He's a leadoff type with occasional gap power as an outfielder.