Many Titan fans are familiar with Brian's Original Sports Bar in Fullerton as a wonderful pre- and post-game meeting place for great food and liquid refreshments.  But, how many of you are familiar with Brian Fairley, the proprietor of Brian's and Big B's Barbecue? 

A former CSUF student-athlete, Fairley has been one of the most generous boosters and corporate sponsors of Titan Athletics for nearly 40 years.  His signage can be found hanging at Goodwin Field, Anderson Family Field, and in historic Titan Gym. 

Growing up in Long Beach, Brian attended Millikan High School.  A wrestler, Fairley competed at Long Beach City College before transferring to Cal State Fullerton in 1974.  Among his teammates was National Wrestling Hall of Fame member and future Titan wrestling head coach, Dan Lewis (1982-1992), and his assistant coach was future CSUF Athletic Director, Ed Carroll (1985-1991). 

A Business-Marketing major, Fairley received his B.A. degree in 1977.  Brian credits his Cal State Fullerton education with providing the background and entrepreneurial spirit that enabled him to open several businesses, beginning with Brian's in 1986.  He would later own a laundromat in addition to Big B's, all in the same Fullerton shopping center.

Older Titan fans might remember his Off Campus Pub on Nutwood Avenue.  (The author fondly remembers that legendary Titan head coach, Augie Garrido, would often hold court there, spinning his usual spellbinding baseball yarns). 

Remembering his favorite classes, Brian said, "I took Scuba, Advanced Scuba, and two years of Scuba photography," remembering that Kevin Costner was in his scuba class.  "I had no idea he'd be famous," Brian said with a chuckle, mentioning that they later met up at a Titan baseball event, and that he has a lot of Costner-related memorabilia on the walls of Brian's.

After working as a busboy, cook, server, and bartender at some local establishments, Fairley credits an acquaintance with encouraging him to write a business plan.  Fairley believes that this was the single most instrumental step in his obtaining a needed business loan for his first venture.  Fairley has since become a proponent of the written word, sharing his story with students and young people. 

Fairley explained that there were no actual entrepreneurial business classes at CSUF at the time, unlike now.  Recently, his very good friends, Jerry and Victoria Conrey, with their generous $4.5 million gift, established the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship.   

Said Jerry Conrey about Fairley:  "As our friendship grew, his involvement with Cal State Fullerton Athletics grew.  We have traveled to support the baseball team and have attended three College World Series, including the 2004 NCAA championship.

"Brian is a Titan through and through," Conrey added.  "His sports bar, Brian's, has morphed into a temple for all things Titans.  I am proud to call Brian and Liz my friends." 

As a Titan sports fan, one of Fairley's favorite memories was the 2017 NCAA Baseball Super Regional against archrival Long Beach State, which took place at Long Beach's Blair Field.  Game 3 was a winner-take-all contest.  Brian remembered the "electric" atmosphere that permeated the stands, describing it as the "greatest game ever." 

Following a leadoff Long Beach double in the 9^th inning, Titan pitchers shut down the Dirtbag offense to secure a 2-1 victory following a swinging strikeout of 49er David Banuelos, ensuring another Cal State Fullerton trip to Omaha.  "The (Fullerton) crowd went crazy," Fairley remembered.  Later in the parking lot, Brian and his friends lit victory cigars.  Recognized by former Titan baseball coach Augie Garrido, who had been in attendance, the group talked for an additional 20 minutes.  Garrido would pass away in 2018.  Brian was asked to host a Celebration for Life event for Garrido at Brian's, which featured a who's who of former Titan coaches, players, and all of Cal State Fullerton's Golden Spikes winners.  

Brian also remembered Mark Kotsay and Jason Windsor among his favorites.  Windsor would later work for Fairley as a bartender at Brian's.  Fairley particularly wanted to mention his good friend, former Titan baseball head coach Rick Vanderhook.  "I love 'Hooky,' as you do, and I spent a lot of time with him in Omaha."  The Fairley's also got to know former CSUF President Dr. Milton Gordon (1990-2012) and his wife, Margaret, well.     

Brian and Liz Fairley have been married for 32 years and live in Fullerton.  A unique feature of their beautiful, Skyline Drive home is an extensive underground wine cellar.  The Fairley's have hosted numerous events there, often benefiting Titan Athletics, and regularly perform catering duties for Cal State Fullerton events.

In summation, CSUF Director of Athletics, Jim Donovan, had this to say:  "Brian and his wife Liz, are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.  Time and time again, Brian has stepped up to support all of our sports programs.

"Brian Fairley is the definition of a True Titan.  I have a feeling that he even bleeds navy blue and orange."   

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