2003 College World Series

Shane Costa
In the Titans' opening game, All-American outfielder Shane Costa No. 33, center, is greeted after blasting a go-ahead, three-run home run as Cal State Fullerton cruised past LSU 8-2. Baseball trading cards were given away to Titan fans as thank-you souvenirs during a fan appreciation night at Goodwin Field during regular season play. The 2003 edition was sponsored by the California Highway Patrol.

Warren Suzuki, father of catcher Kurt Suzuki, said the fanfare, crowds, vendors' tents and national media coverage reminded him of his own trip to the 1994 World Cup. Dana Point alumnus Kurt Kingsolver, a member of the '79 national championship team proudly remembered, "It was bigger than life, a bigger stage than we'd ever played on before. We were the dark horse who lost our first game and needed to win five in a row for the national championship, and we did it."

In college baseball, this is big as it gets. To soak up the experience, to share Titan camaraderie and non-stop energy before and after each game with several hundred fans, right across the street from Rosenblatt, was unforgettable. "Everyone is just having a great time," remarked Bob Palmer, vice president for student affairs. "In fact, we have set a new standard that is going to be tough to match," he added from the vantage point of "Home of the Titans" front porch. It wasn't an overstatement: cars slowed down, people stopped and stared. LSU and Stanford fans were seen taking photos of the colorful, welcoming façade and Midwestern front porch filled with Titan fans.

Visiting Orange County fan Holly Barnett '79 (B.A. communications-public relations) summed up the experience: "Titan House is the epitome of what Titan baseball is," she explained. "Titan baseball isn't like going to see the Angels or Dodgers. You're actually a part of it. You get to know the team, you get to know the families, and you kind of adopt the team.

"Titan House just brings that all together. For all of us to have a place to come and meet before and after the games, it gives us a place to connect. I commend the school for doing this. It's fabulous."

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