UCSB Gaucho also known as the University of California Santa Barbara are looking to have a marvelous 2023 baseball season. Let’s take a look at our #14 team.
The Gauchos are coached by Andrew Checketts who is now heading into his 5th season in Santa Barbara and he has a 376-214-3 record. In 2021 they finished with a 44-14 record.
They have quality returning with RHP Ryan Gallagher (8-0,2.25 ERA), RHP JD Callahan (2-3, 4.33 ERA, LHP Mike Gutierrez (9-1, 3.19 ERA, 86K, 35BB) and a host of other hurlers. Right fielder Brock Mortensen brings his bat ( 16HR, 53 RBI)and DH Christian Kirtley and his .300 batting average and 11 home runs with 45 RBI’s all will receive important time on the field at at the plate in 2023.
The newcomers are shortstop/second base Jonah Sebring from Golden West College and outfielder Jared Sundstrom an All-conference player from Sana Rosa. Several high school arms join USCSB this year.
Since 2013, the Gauchos hold the best Winning Percentage in the Big West and they are winners of 40 games or more for three straight season. they program can and likely will make some noise this year.
Since coach Checketts took the job in 2012, he has seen success with getting his players drafted to the major leagues.
26 of those picks have been Gaucho pitchers including two first-rounders in Dillon Tate and Michael McGreevy, and 2020 Cy Young Award and Triple Crown winner, Shane Bieber.
Since 2015, the Gauchos have produced 17 hitter draft picks, which the third most on the West Coast in that span. For complete list click HERE.
Previous Posts from Countdown:
24- Texas
23- East Carolina
22- Oregon
#20- Southern Mississippi
#19- Virginia Tech
#18 Maryland
#17– Texas Tech
16- Virginia
15- Georgia Tech
