What Was The New Mascot Of Csulb?

Cal State Long Beach has unveiled its new shark mascot, Elbee, via social media, following a student-initiated process that involved widely solicited ideas for a new mascot. The university, which previously retired its Prospector Pete mascot over a year ago, introduced Elbee as the next step in a long and somewhat tortured saga. Elbee prefers gender-neutral pronouns like “they”, “them”, and “their”. The announcement was featured in ABC7 News and a live press conference with CSULB press secretary Tony McPhony.

The introduction of Elbee comes after the 2018 retirement of the university’s former mascot, Prospector Pete. The university ditched its “Prospector Pete” character in September after criticism that it was offensive to indigenous people. Elbee is a new mascot that does not discriminate against any race or gender.

Cal State Long Beach is currently soliciting votes for its new mascot, with six candidates for the spot of the ousted Prospector Pete. The CSULB athletic teams have been moving away from Prospector Pete and the “49ers” and instead using “The Beach” or “The Dirtbags” for the mascot.

In response to Elbee, Long Beach State removed the statue of its retired mascot, Prospector Pete, from the Liberal Arts 5 plaza. The new mascot is seen as the next step in a long and somewhat tortured saga for the university.

What is the controversy with Prospector Pete?

California State University in Long Beach is retiring its controversial Prospector Pete mascot, which critics argue represents the genocide of indigenous people during the Gold Rush. The statue, which will be moved to the new alumni center next year, was recommended by a committee studying the issue. President Jane Close Conoley expressed her satisfaction with the committee’s recommendations and expressed gratitude for the hours spent listening to the various stakeholders involved in the issue and the campus’s history.

Is Long Beach a nice part of LA?

Long Beach, California, is often referred to as “The City of Good Living.” It is distinguished by its walkable neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, a relaxed beach lifestyle, and year-round favorable weather conditions.

Why did Long Beach change from 49ers?

Long Beach State’s mascot, Prospector Pete, has been known as “The Beach” since 2014 due to tensions over the team’s founding in 1949 and the 49ers moniker. The mascot was originally a statue commemorating the college’s founding, but over time, it became synonymous with the 1849 California gold rush, which led to the death of over 80% of the state’s Native American population. This led to the mascot’s official retirement in 2018. The school’s sports teams are technically known as “Beach Athletics”.

Why did Csulb get rid of prospector Pete?

California State University in Long Beach is resigning its longtime mascot, “Prospector Pete”, due to accusations of racism. The university resigned in September after it was criticized for being offensive to indigenous people. The university is now considering a new symbol or no mascot at all. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the university’s reputation among conservative students.

What is the mascot of Long Beach Beach?

Elbee Elbee, who was introduced to the Beach Family three years ago as Cal State Long Beach’s shark mascot, has become a beloved symbol of the community.

What was CSULB’s old mascot?

The CSULB sports teams, which were established in 1949, were previously known as the 49ers, with a mascot named Prospect Pete. This was a reference to the 1849 gold rush era in California, which was also referred to as “dirtbags.”

Is Csulb still 49ers?

Long Beach State athletics, also known as the 49ers, represent California State University, Long Beach, competing in 19 sports at the NCAA Division I level. The university is a founding member of the Big West Conference and also competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and the Golden Coast Conference for sports not sponsored by the Big West. The university’s intercollegiate athletics program will continue to use the prefix “The Beach” as it is the only NCAA Division I university with the word “Beach” in its name. The term “’49er” remains an informal nickname and identifier for anyone affiliated with the university, while the baseball team will continue to be known as the Dirtbags.

The Dirtbags have consistently ranked in the national top 35 and appeared in 17 of the last 20 NCAA tournaments. They have won 9 Big West conference championships, hosted 4 NCAA regionals, and appeared in 4 College World Series. The nickname “The Dirtbags” refers to a gritty, team-first style of play taught by Coach Dave Snow and subsequent coaches.

Why did CSULB change mascots?

The Cal State University (Cal State) renamed its campus the 49ers and mascot was Prospector Pete in 2018, due to controversy surrounding the school’s history. President Jane Close Conoley stated that the 1849 California gold rush was a time of subjugation, violence, and threats of genocide for the indigenous peoples of California. Today, the school’s spirit of inclusivity is reflected in its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community, and the school is not connected to that era.

Why is Long Beach State the dirtbags?

The Long Beach State University baseball team, officially known as the Beach (formerly the 49ers), is often referred to as the “Dirtbags” by players and fans. This name is a source of pride and shared identity for the program, as it is often misinterpreted as a disparagement. However, the term “Dirtbag” is distinct from pejorative demonyms that have been adopted as symbols of pride. The term first appeared in 1989, under head coach Dave Snow, who aimed to find “hard-nosed guys with something to prove”.

Over the course of the season, infield coach Dave Malpass would take his players to an all-dirt Pony League field for practices, which Malpass wryly termed “Dirtbag Field”. As the season progressed, the label was adopted by the players and coaches as symbolic of the tough and gritty mindset that Snow and his staff were cultivating.

As of 2023, no fewer than 56 players who played for Long Beach State have made appearances in Major League Baseball, a figure consistently ranking as one of the highest of any university in the nation. Some notable alumni include:

• Dave Snow
• Dave Malpass
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow
• Dave Snow

Why did CSULB get rid of prospector Pete?

California State University in Long Beach is resigning its longtime mascot, “Prospector Pete”, due to accusations of racism. The university resigned in September after it was criticized for being offensive to indigenous people. The university is now considering a new symbol or no mascot at all. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the university’s reputation among conservative students.

How prestigious is CSULB?

California State University—Long Beach, founded in 1949, is an urban public institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 34, 033 (fall 2023). The campus, spanning 322 acres, offers a semester-based academic calendar and is ranked 109th in the 2025 Best Colleges list. The university offers a mix of academic and outdoor life, with freshmen required to live on campus unless commuting. The campus is adorned with over 3, 000 peach trees donated by locals.

The school’s sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference, with a particular focus on women’s volleyball. Students can join over 300 organizations, including fraternities, sororities, special interest clubs, social action organizations, and honor societies. For graduate students, CSULB offers programs through the College of Business Administration and the College of Health and Human Services. Notable alumni include J. F. Lawton, screenwriter of Pretty Woman, and Tara Cross-Battle, former Olympic volleyball player.