Fresno State Athletics
Q&A: Andrew Kachel
7/17/2022 4:30:00 PM | Baseball
FRESNO, Calif. – Junior infielder Andrew Kachel catches up with Fresno State digital reporter Taylor Martinez to preview the 2022 MLB Draft.Â
Q: How did you start playing baseball?Â
Kachel: I think baseball was the first sport that I liked. My parents bought footballs and golf clubs, but I instantly picked up the baseball and baseball bat. It started when I first started walking, when I was about two years old. I had that bat in my hand the whole time, and I never dropped it. Then I started playing at the YMCA and in little league around three years old.
Q: When did you start realizing that you could play baseball at the next level?Â
Kachel: Honestly, it wasn't until about two years ago. I wasn't the best high school player, you can check my stats. I did alright in summer showcases, which helped me get to the present state. It was during the last two seasons when I knew I could take this further.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Fresno State?Â
Kachel: It was my one and only offer. I was going into the summer of my senior year, which is late to get offers. I told myself that if this coaching staff believes in me enough to give me a scholarship, then I want to commit there. So I committed right there in Batesole's office.
Q: What's it like to see former Fresno State players have successful careers in the MLB?Â
Kachel: It's just a cool thing, to be part of this tradition. We've had 100 years of this tradition and I'm so grateful to be a part of it. I'm hoping the next line of Bulldogs will say, "Oh I remember when Kachel was here and I came to games to watch him."
Q: What have you done to prepare for the draft?Â
Kachel: I've stayed ready with workouts. There's a facility here in Morgan Hill that has weights and all the technology that I need. When you're preparing for something as big as this, you have to stay ready.
Q: What team did you root for growing up and does that have any weight on the draft?
Kachel: I grew up a Giants fan. It doesn't matter to be where I end up. I mean, it would be awesome because the Giants are my hometown team and I grew up going to Giants games. Wherever I go, I will be grateful. It puts it all into perspective that only 600 guys get the chance to get their names called.
Q: You said that over the past two years, you realized that you could take baseball further. What clicked for you?Â
Kachel: The coaching staff. Coach Batesole has been there for me every step of the way. He's molded me to the player that I am. Hats off to him for making me who I am today as a hitter and a player. I came in weighing 160 without knowing anything about approaches. He changed that really quick. He has taught me so much.
Q: What is your advice to those that come out of high school with one offer or maybe have to walk on?Â
Kachel: My advice is to just keep proving people wrong. You are your biggest supporter at times. Just go get after it every day and go support yourself. You don't need fans cheering you on, go get what you need to get done and keep going.
Q: What will you miss most about your time at Fresno State?Â
Katchel: I've been lucky enough to start every game that I've played at Fresno State. When you hear that music, the Red Wave cheering and the national anthem and nothing better than that feeling right there. I love it. It's just so cool to be part of the Red Wave. I get chills when the national anthem plays, everyone is on their feet and fans are yelling your name. It never gets old. I'm going to miss that energy.
"Fresno State Athletics - For The V: The Central Valley" – Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff proudly wear the "Green V" to show their pride in representing the Central Valley. Stories of why the Bulldogs play for the "Green V" will be shared throughout the next year with #ForTheV. To become a Bulldog Foundation member or join "The Green V Society," please call 559-278-7160 or visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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