The Long Beach State 49ers, nicknamed the "dirtbags" because of their colors, have a prolific baseball history. John McConnell was the team's first coach in 1954 and put the program on track. After three hard years, the school was admitted to the NCAA's Division II in 1957. The program has gone on to become one of the most storied in the state of California. Players to attend Long Beach State include MLB All-stars Jason Giambi, Evan Longoria, Harold Reynolds, Troy Tulowitzki, and Jared Weaver.