Muscle Beach: Andy Garriola Provides the Pelicans’ Power

May 14, 2024 by Sam Weiderhaft

For the last two seasons, the Pelicans have been one of the best power-hitting teams in the Carolina League. In 2023, they led the league with 104 homers. This season, their 20 dingers currently rank fourth.

A big reason for that is power-hitter Andy Garriola. A 17^th-round selection by the Cubs out of Old Dominion in 2022, the California native has been a staple of the Myrtle Beach batting order for the last two seasons.

After lifting a program-record 49 home runs during his three seasons at ODU, Garriola’s power numbers transferred well to the professional game. In his first year with the Birds, he ranked second on the team with 12 home runs and led the squad with 60 RBI. He also showed off his speed, swiping 11 bags.

Entering the 2024 season, Garriola felt confident coming out of spring training.

“I was really comfortable,” Garriola said. “I worked on fixing my (bat) path and getting the ball in the air more.”

The 24-year-old has picked up right where he left off. In his first month of the year, he led the Carolina League with five home runs and drove in the second-most runs at 25, nearly producing half of his RBI total from the year before.

Part of the reason for Garriola’s impressive hitting numbers is the way he plays the game.

“I’m very competitive, I’ve got a fire in me when I’m playing,” Garriola said. “I had an older brother so I’ve always been competitive in everything.”

The environment in Myrtle Beach has also provided comfort for the man from Pasadena, California.

“I love the fans and the atmosphere,” Garriola said. “I like the beach vibe, especially with the sandbox out in left field.”

As this season continues, Garriola has certain marks he wants to his in his second year of full-season baseball. Hitting 20 home runs while stealing 15 bases are just a few of those. The Pelicans will continue to rely on not only his power, but competitive nature to raise the “W” flag many more times in 2024.