Raised by the Game: Alejandro Garza’s Path to Cal Poly
1/27/2026 12:05:00 PM | Baseball
Story by: Emma Gonosey, Cal Poly Athletics
Before Alejandro Garza ever put on a Cal Poly uniform, his development as a player was already well underway. Long before he became a key contributor in the Mustangs’ lineup, his approach to the game was shaped in Bakersfield, where baseball meant work, accountability and playing for something bigger than himself.
That foundation was built at home. Garza grew up playing under the guidance of his father and uncle, learning the game through their coaching from an early age. For most of his life, his coaches were also his family, shaping both his development and his approach to the game.
“My dad has been my coach my whole life,” Garza said. “Even before high school, my dad and my uncle were my coaches. That’s all I really knew growing up.”
When Garza arrived at Cal Poly, the transition marked more than just a new uniform. For the first time in his baseball career, he was no longer playing for a coach who doubled as family. Instead, he had to carve out his own identity within a Division I program, while carrying the lessons he grew up with.
“When I came here, I thought Coach Lee and my dad were pretty similar when it came to practices,” Garza said. “But it wasn't a big transition. It was just more of, ‘I’m not the coach’s son anymore.’”
Not only did Garza join a new team, he transitioned from his role as a lifelong shortstop to third base. Garza has adapted quickly, posting a career fielding percentage of .938. Many of the lessons his dad taught him about the game growing up have continued to stick with him, including taking on the challenge of a new position.
“Play hard all the time, even in practice,” Garza said. “[My dad] always told me, the way you practice is the way you play. I always practice as hard as I can, and I think that leads to my personality, my confidence, and my demeanor when I play the game.”
That consistency carried into the 2025 season. Garza started all 62 games and finished the year with a .351 batting average, 92 hits and 54 RBIs, providing steady production throughout the Mustangs’ conference play. He was awarded First Team All-Big West and landed on the American Baseball Coach’s Association All-West Region Second Team. Garza helped lead the Mustangs to one of their best seasons in recent memory, winning the Big West Championship and advancing to an NCAA Tournament Regional.
Play hard all the time, even in practice,” Garza said. “[My dad] always told me, the way you practice is the way you play. I always practice as hard as I can, and I think that leads to my personality, my confidence, and my demeanor when I play the game.
“Last year, everyone was playing for each other,” Garza said. “No one was really focused on getting drafted or transferring somewhere else, we were all playing together as one. I think that made it even better from a chemistry standpoint, because we loved each other even more as the season went on.”
Beyond the numbers and the team’s success, Garza’s motivation starts with his family.
“I play the game for a different meaning. I’m playing for my family, playing for more than just baseball,” Garza said. “I think that’s what brings out my confidence and the swag that I have.”
That support remains constant throughout the season. Whether in the stands or from home, Garza’s family continues to be a steady presence, following along with each step of his journey. After this year, he hopes to pursue the MLB draft as it has been a lifelong dream for him and his family.
“They always come to watch me play,” Garza said. “If they can’t, they’re always watching on TV. They always make time.”
Now entering his junior season, Garza has embraced a growing leadership role within the team, focused on setting the standard and helping guide the Mustangs through the season ahead.
“I think the biggest way I’ve grown is in the leadership aspect this year,” Garza said. “Having been on a team that went to a regional, it’s about showing the younger guys what that standard looks like and having them buy into what we had last year.”
As the Mustangs look ahead, Garza is confident that last season’s experience has shaped how the team approaches what comes next. He plans to use his leadership to guide the Mustangs to another successful season.
“I believe this year we have a great group of guys,” Garza said. “We know what it is to get to a regional and what it is to play in big-time games. Going into this season, we know what to expect, and we know what we’ve got to do to win those games.”
