7 Shocking Facts About Cal State Dominguez Hills Baseball’s 2025 Resurgence And MLB Pipeline
The Cal State Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Toros baseball program has solidified its position as a major contender in the NCAA Division II landscape, culminating in a stellar performance during the 2025 season. The Toros, who compete in the challenging California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), finished the season with an impressive 29-22 overall record and a powerful 25-15 mark in conference play, earning the No. 2 seed in the CCAA Tournament. This recent success, as of the current date in late 2025, is a testament to the program's steady build under its current leadership, moving past the rebuilding years to become a consistent threat in the West Region. The team's grit and competitive spirit were on full display throughout the campaign, securing a winning percentage of .569 and setting the stage for even greater expectations in the future.
The 2025 campaign was not just about wins and losses; it was about the individual brilliance that propelled the team forward, with multiple players earning prestigious regional honors. The team’s performance at Toro Field in Carson, California, provided fans with thrilling moments, establishing a formidable home-field advantage. This deep dive reveals the key figures, the surprising MLB alumni, and the most crucial facts defining the current era of CSUDH baseball, proving why the Toros are a team to watch in Division II.
The CSUDH Toros Baseball Program: Leadership and Key Entities
The success of the Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball program is rooted in its dedicated coaching staff, the talent of its current roster, and a surprising history of producing Major League Baseball (MLB) talent. This list provides the essential biographical and entity data for the program as of the 2025 season.
- Head Coach: Tyler Wright. He returned for his tenth season in 2025, and is widely credited with elevating the program's stature within the CCAA and the NCAA Division II West Region.
- Conference: California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Toros compete in this highly competitive NCAA Division II conference.
- Home Field: Toro Field, located on the CSUDH campus in Carson, California.
- 2025 Final Record: 29-22 Overall, 25-15 Conference.
- Key 2025 Award Winners (ABCA/Rawlings & NCBWA All-West Region): Noah Karliner, Conlan, and Polizzi. These players were instrumental in the Toros' success and were recognized for their outstanding performance.
- Notable Current Players (2025 Roster): Trysten Eddy (Jr.), Julian Castro (Jr.), Quinn Johnson (Jr.), Joseph Jimenez Jr. (Jr.), Peter Werth III (Sr.), Justin Abercrombie, Teige Barrett, Emilio Barrera, Evan Vazquez, Olin Snakenborg, Blake Logan, Jared Anderson, and Cy Robertson.
The Unexpected MLB Pipeline: Alumni Who Shocked the Majors
One of the most compelling aspects of the Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball program is its history of developing players who go on to thrive at the highest level of professional baseball. The list of alumni is a source of immense pride and topical authority for the Toros.
Kevin Pillar: The Ultimate Walk-On Success Story
Perhaps the most famous alumnus is outfielder Kevin Pillar. Pillar’s journey is legendary; he was a walk-on, non-scholarship player at CSUDH who transformed his career into a long and successful tenure in Major League Baseball. Known for his spectacular defensive plays—earning him the nickname "Superman"—Pillar played for multiple MLB teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers, demonstrating the raw talent that can emerge from the Division II level.
Current and Former MLB Toros
Pillar is far from the only Toro to make it to the big leagues. The CSUDH pipeline continues to deliver talent, proving the quality of coaching and player development at the university. Other notable alumni who have played in the MLB include:
- Alex Vesia: A current MLB relief pitcher who has found success with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Brennan Bernardino: Another pitcher who has reached the MLB level, showcasing the program's ability to develop professional-caliber arms.
- Eric Plunk: A former right-handed relief pitcher who had a long career in the majors, playing for teams like the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians.
- Craig Grebeck: A former infielder known for his time with the Chicago White Sox and Anaheim Angels.
- DeWayne Buice: A former pitcher who played for the California Angels.
- Bubby Rossman: Another name among the pitchers who have played professionally after their time as a Toro.
- George Stablein: A former player from the 1970s who reached the professional ranks.
This surprising number of professional players validates the quality of the CSUDH baseball program and its ability to prepare athletes for the rigors of professional baseball, making the Toros a compelling choice for aspiring collegiate athletes.
How the 2025 Season Defined a New Era for CSUDH Baseball
The 2025 season was a landmark year that solidified the program’s upward trajectory under Head Coach Tyler Wright. The team’s overall record of 29-22 and conference record of 25-15 demonstrates a level of consistency and competitive edge that has become the new standard for the Toros. Their performance was characterized by a potent offense and reliable pitching, allowing them to compete with—and defeat—top-tier CCAA rivals like Cal State LA and Cal State San Bernardino.
The All-Region Talent Explosion
A key indicator of the team's strength was the recognition of its top players in postseason awards. Three Toros were named to the prestigious 2025 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-West Region teams, an honor that highlights the best players across the entire region. Furthermore, three Cal State Dominguez Hills standouts also earned spots on the 2025 NCBWA All-West Region Team.
Specific players who received these high honors include:
- Noah Karliner: Mentioned in connection with the NCBWA All-West Region honors, Karliner was a consistent threat for the Toros.
- Conlan and Polizzi: These players were tabbed for the ABCA/Rawlings Second-Team All-West Region, a clear sign of their impact on the field.
These individual accolades underscore the depth of talent on the 2025 roster, which also featured strong contributions from players like Trysten Eddy, Julian Castro, and veteran Peter Werth III.
The CCAA Tournament Battle
As the No. 2 seed, the Toros battled fiercely in the CCAA Tournament, a postseason showdown that tested their resolve. Although their season concluded with a tough loss, the team's ability to reach and compete at this level is a clear sign that the program is now a mainstay at the top of the conference. Coach Wright's leadership has fostered a culture of grit and passion, which was evident in every extra-inning battle and crucial conference series. The team's collective effort, led by players like Teige Barrett and Emilio Barrera (who both played in 51 games), demonstrated their commitment to the program's progress.
What’s Next for the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros?
Looking ahead, the foundation laid by the 2025 season is robust. The Toros have demonstrated they can consistently compete for a CCAA title and earn a berth in the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament. The mix of experienced players like Quinn Johnson and Joseph Jimenez Jr., combined with the proven talent of the All-Region honorees, suggests the program is poised for sustained success.
The focus will remain on developing not just strong baseball players, but complete athletes who can handle the pressure of high-stakes games. With a coaching staff that has proven its ability to identify and elevate talent—as evidenced by the numerous MLB alumni—the future of CSUDH baseball at Toro Field in Carson, California, looks exceptionally bright. Fans and opponents alike should expect the Toros to continue their aggressive, high-stakes style of play as they chase their ultimate goal: a Division II National Championship.
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