The Dirtbag style of baseball continues to prove effective all the way to the highest level of professional play, as Long Beach State players dot the rosters of eight different teams in the MLB on the very first day of the season. That number includes six position players and five pitchers, a balanced split illustrating that both facets of the game come through Long Beach State.

Topping the list are three All-Stars from the 2010 season. Colorado’s Troy Tulowitzki was a National Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award-winner at shortstop for the Rockies last season, while 2009 AL Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria earned his second Gold Glove at third base for the Tampa Bay Rays. Both are in early consideration for MVP awards, while the Angels’ Jered Weaver was the team’s opening-day starter just one year after leading the majors in strikeouts with 233.

Jason Giambi, 2000 AL MVP, started the season with Colorado, entering his 17th season in the major leagues, which sets a new record for longevity among former LBSU players, passing Steve Trachsel and Bobby Crosby, each of whom spent 16 years in the bigs.

Outfielders John Bowker and Jeremy Reed started the season with Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay, respectively, while Danny Espinosa started his rookie season with Washington as the Nationals’ everyday second baseman.

Along with Weaver, the Dirtbags have two other pitchers in major league rotations. Jason Vargas will spend another year with the Seattle Mariners, while Marco Estrada has secured a role as the fifth starter in the Milwaukee Brewers’ rotation. Other pitchers making opening-day rosters include Cesar Ramos with a new team, the Tampa Bay Rays, while Bobby Cramer continues his amazing comeback with another season with the Oakland A’s.

Pitchers Andrew Carpenter (Philadelphia), Adam Wilk (Detroit) and Vance Worley (Philadelphia) all were invited to major league camp and will start the 2011 campaign in AAA. Catcher Brad Davis was one of the last players off of the Florida Marlins roster, as well. Carpenter, Davis, and Worley all spent time in the bigs last season, while Wilk is looking for his first call-up. Infielder Adam Heether is another player just outside the major leagues who will likely start the season in AAA.

Long Beach State’s other professional baseball players in minor league organizations, including the eight players drafted following the 2010 collegiate baseball season, will learn their assignments in the coming months.