Sept. 16, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State baseball program will hold their annual Wall of Fame dinner on Oct. 23 at Pardini's. The program will start at 6:30 and a social hour will be held from 5:00 until 6:25.

The Wall of Fame dinner will honor former baseball standouts Stan Busch (Outfielder, 1959-1961), Warren Brusstar (Pitcher, 1973-1974), Dennis Springer (Pitcher, 1986-1987) and Ben Fritz (Pitcher, 2000-2002). The 1991 baseball team will also be inducted into the Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame will recognize the 2008 College World Series Champions.

"October 23rd will be a great night for Bulldog Baseball," said Coach Mike Batesole. "Entering our Wall of Fame will be a great OF in Stan Busch and three great pitchers in Dennis Springer, Ben Fritz and Warren Brustar."

Busch started his career with Fresno State in 1959 and it was that year that the Bulldogs went to the College World Series in Omaha. Busch played two more seasons and started in the outfield and hit .310 and .333. In 1961 he led the team in homeruns with three.

Brusstar joined the Bulldogs in 1973. He pitched well for two seasons and signed a major league baseball contract. During his nine year career, Brusstar pitched for Philadelphia, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore, and Chicago Cubs. He was with the Phillies in 1980 when they won the World Series.

Springer came to Fresno State in 1986. He pitched for the Bulldogs for two seasons. Professionally Springer pitched for the Dodgers, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, and Anaheim Angels.

Fritz joined the Bulldog pitching staff in 2000. He accumulated a career record of 13-11 and over 165 strikeouts. His bat was just as hot as his arm. During his junior season he led the team with 10 homeruns and 52 RBIs. He was named WAC Pitcher of the Year during his junior season. Fritz signed with the A's after his junior season.

The 1991 Bulldogs baseball team compiled a record of 42-23 and was the last team to make it to the College World Series prior to the 2008 season. The 1991 team beat No. 1 Florida State, 6-3. The team was the Big West Co-Champions.

"One great team and four great players will be recognized forever for their outstanding achievements," said Batesole.

A video presentation and interviews with past players will also take place at the dinner.

The Wall of Fame dinner began in 1991 and has inducted 96 players and coaches and five teams. The Wall of Fame has also retired eight jersey numbers and honored two coaches. Reservations for the event are $50 per seat or $500 for a table. Advance pay reservations are required and can be made by contacting Ron Schiller at (559) 297-8189.

"Join the State, Fresno State!" - The Bulldogs hit the road for the University of Colorado Tournament September 19-21. The Bulldogs battle Denver on Friday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. and Colorado on Sunday, September 21 at 12:00 p.m. The `Dogs return home on Friday, September 26 against Seattle University at 7:00 p.m. September is Youth Soccer Month. All youth soccer players 8th grade and under who wear their jerseys get in for free and their rest of the family is admitted for $2 per person. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.