The MLB season has showcased the success of former Long Beach ballplayers, with Nick Avila, a Long Beach State alum, making his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants, pitching two scoreless innings and securing his first big league strikeout against Shohei Ohtani. Likewise, Lakewood alum Travis d’Arnaud delivered a walk-off single for the Atlanta Braves, and Millikan grad Spencer Steer has been excelling with the Cincinnati Reds, being named the National League Player of the Week. Additionally, outfielder Jarren Duran is off to a terrific start with the Boston Red Sox, and Long Beach native Justin Turner has been performing well with the Toronto Blue Jays.

By the Numbers
  • Nick Avila made his MLB debut on Apr. 1 at Dodger Stadium
  • Spencer Steer had a .382 batting average with an OPS of 1.240 through his first 10 games
  • Jarren Duran recorded a .481 batting average with 4 stolen bases in 6 games to start April
State of Play
  • Nick Avila pitched two scoreless innings for the San Francisco Giants
  • Spencer Steer was named the National League Player of the Week
  • Jarren Duran established himself as the everyday leadoff man for the Boston Red Sox
Bottom Line

The success of former Long Beach ballplayers in the MLB demonstrates the talent nurtured at Long Beach State, with players like Nick Avila, Travis d’Arnaud, Spencer Steer, Jarren Duran, and Justin Turner making significant contributions at the professional level, reflecting the strength of the baseball program.