The USC baseball team kicked off their practice sessions at the new field in February 2025, ahead of the 2026 season when Dedeaux Field is set to open to fans. During this transitional period, things like portable toilets and food trucks were a necessity.
By the time opening day rolls around in 2027, everything should be in place. Players will have access to the indoor batting cage and a comfortable clubhouse. Fans will be treated to permanent restrooms, concession stands, and an enticing entrance lined with palm trees.
As the facilities evolve, the Trojans continue to make strides each season under coach Andy Stankiewicz, pushing closer to some exciting achievements.
They were just two outs away from their first College World Series appearance in 25 years but lost in heartbreaking fashion to North Carolina last Sunday.
Even still, reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Super Regional for the first time since 2005 adds another layer to the ongoing rebuilding process of this legendary program in college baseball.
“It’s definitely going to be a challenge,” Stankiewicz remarked after the game, reflecting on the team’s late-game struggles against the Tar Heels. “But we’re in this for the long haul; that has been our plan since we arrived here.”
“Last year we reached the regional finals, and this year we made it to the super regionals, which shows we’re on the right track. Our players are strong, healthy, and proud to be Trojans, and we’re not backing down. Our focus remains on bringing this program back to Omaha.”
With a stellar record of 48-18—its best since clinching the national championship in 1998—the Trojans seem poised for another strong season in 2027. Pitchers Mason Edwards and Grant Goebel contributed significantly this past season, and with Goebel returning for his junior year, there are high hopes for next season. He’ll likely team up with Andrew Johnson, who emerged as one of the postseason’s standout players. Johnson excelled against Texas A&M and North Carolina, yielding just five runs over 15 innings while stepping up from the bullpen.
“What we’ve seen from him in the postseason is nothing short of amazing,” Stankiewicz said on Sunday, placing his hand supportively on Johnson’s back during the interview. “He embodies everything a coach dreams for in a player. I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s done.”
USC’s batting lineup, which put up 64 runs over five postseason games, might remain mostly intact. The only regular likely departing is outfielder Jack Bashir, although several players might head to professional leagues following next month’s MLB draft.
On another note, pitching coach Sean Allen will be leaving to take the head coaching position at Lamar, which will be another adjustment for the team.
With Stankiewicz relying heavily on young talent this past season, fans can expect a mix of fresh transfers and an eager freshman class looking for immediate playing time.
Key freshman contributors included starting outfielder Walter Arbon, pitcher and infielder Diego Velasquez, and relievers Gavin Lauridsen and Rohan Kasanagotu.
A notable characteristic of this team was their determination, amplified by players like Johnson. On Sunday, he insisted on starting, despite having pitched in relief just two days prior.
“Getting to Omaha has been our goal since day one, right?” Johnson reflected after a strong performance against North Carolina. “We’re not just satisfied to have made it this far; we’re really proud of what we accomplished as a team this season.”
Stankiewicz acknowledged the typical impatience that comes with rebuilding teams but expressed confidence in their progress toward something special.
“There’s no turning back,” he said, now entering his fourth season with the Trojans. “This journey will continue to move forward, and it will.”
If the Trojans ever need motivation, they can glance at the message painted on the wall in the upcoming batting cage.
See you in Omaha
