The Santa Barbara Foresters, a perennial contender for the CCL championship and winners of eight NBC World Series titles, have become known for their dominance on the field. One could point to any number of reasons for the Forester’s success--including a long line of talented infielders who have worn the Santa Barbara uniform. Andrew Kachel, a native of Gilroy, Calif., and infielder for the Fresno State Bulldogs might be next. Kachel has played all over the infield during his career, but has spent the majority of his 2021 campaign at third base for Fresno State, even after earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors at second base as a freshman just a year ago. He was red-hot at the plate before the 2020 season ended prematurely, and even had a two-home run, five RBI game against Cal Poly on February 25.

There was no learning curve when he made the switch across the infield. Kachel, who is currently hitting .314, has 16 multi-hit games so far in 2021. He started the month of May off on the right foot, going eight for 15 in a three-game set against New Mexico on May 1-3, scoring five runs and knocking in three. Most recently, in a weeknight game against the USC Trojans, Kachel turned in a two-hit performance that included a huge three-run home run late in the game, and helped propel the Bulldogs to a 13-10 victory.

Kachel will join a long list of elite infielders that have called Santa Barabra their summer home in the past. Last year, they enjoyed seeing infielders Matt McLain and Jace Jung hit .436 and .404 respectively in 30 games. It doesn't stop there: the ‘Sters boast several alumni infielders in the professional ranks, like the Detroit Tigers’ Jordy Mercer and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil. If they haven’t already, professional scouts will get a great opportunity to see Kachel play as a part of one of the most respected collegiate summer organizations in the nation. Follow along with the future Forester here, and stay up-to-date with all things Foresters at sbforesters.org.

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