ANAHEIM, Calif. – Former Titans Baseball standout Tanner Bibee recalled how Cal State Fullerton prepared him for the big leagues while imparting important values and lessons he carries with him as a Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher.
"The underdog mentality and the grit were exactly what I was looking for. I wouldn't trade my time here for anything," said Bibee, who made his Major League Baseball debut in 2023 and wears No. 28 on his Guardians jersey.
"I know I would not be where I am today without my experiences at Cal State Fullerton and how they shaped me."
Bibee, who began his professional baseball career in the Cleveland Guardians' minor league system in 2021, was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Dinner With the Titans baseball fundraiser.
More than 400 supporters, current and alumni players, family members and coaches attended the Jan. 23 event. Nearly $$194,000 was raised for the storied baseball program, including a $20,000 donation from Bibee.
Jim Donovan, director of athletics, thanked the rousing crowd for their support and said that 100% of their donations stay with the baseball program. Donovan added that Head Coach Jason Dietrich helps to determine how their contributions are spent on the team, including for student scholarships.
Donovan called this year's team the most exciting since 2018: "I believe all the stars are lining up for an outstanding season."
Over Bibee's four seasons with Titans Baseball, the Mission Viejo native had a 3.82 ERA and 236 strikeouts. He landed a spot on the team in 2018 and pitched from the mound until 2021.
While he called his collegiate career challenging at times for him and the program, he also mentioned highlights such as making his NCAA postseason debut. He helped the Titans earn a 5–2 victory over Stanford to advance to the NCAA Super Regionals.
"I cherish those moments every day," said Bibee, who earned a bachelor's degree in communications-public relations. "I was in the minors for less than two years, and without the traits that Fullerton was able to instill in me, I might still be there.
"The work ethic and mental fortitude that Fullerton helped me create are one of the reasons why I was able to fly through the ranks so fast."
During his remarks, Bibee recalled how Cal State Fullerton has been in his blood since he was a boy.
Bibee played on a baseball travel ball team, led by former Titans players, and at a young age, learned the "Fullerton way" of toughness and the ability to make sacrifices to succeed.
He and his parents also frequented Goodwin Field to watch the Titans play.
"My parents and I started going to games," he recollected. "I always loved walking up to Goodwin Field under the lights with the smell of funnel cake and kettle corn in the air."
After touring the campus, watching legendary Titans such as MLB players Matt Chapman and Michael Lorenzen, and being constantly exposed to Cal State Fullerton, Bibee knew he wanted to be a Titan.
"The development, the history, and the winning were undeniable; it stared you right in the face," he said.
Bibee gave some parting advice to the 2026 team that, just by being a Titan, they'll be ready for any curveballs life throws along the way — during and after their baseball careers.
"Work hard, study hard, win hard and most importantly, have fun hard — and carry pride putting on the Titan logo," he said.
The 2026 Titans Baseball season opens Feb. 13 at Goodwin Field against California Baptist University.
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