Gabe Riedel, a mathematics major at Cal Poly, first saw the power of data‑driven decision making in the 2011 film Moneyball. The story of a baseball team that used analytics to compete against richer franchises sparked a fascination that would soon shape his college path.
He reached out directly to Coach Larry Lee, sending a cold email that expressed his desire to apply his quantitative skills to the Mustangs' program. Lee's openness gave Riedel a foothold in the team's nascent statistics group.
Cultivating a Data‑Centric Culture
What began as a small cohort of five students quickly expanded under Riedel's guidance. By the time he graduated, the analytics unit had grown to roughly twenty‑five members, each tasked with turning raw game footage into actionable insights.
The team developed an internal app that automated scouting reports, aggregated performance metrics and delivered real‑time statistics to coaches during games. This tool not only streamlined workflow but also gave players immediate feedback on their tendencies.
The impact showed up on the field. In the 2024 season the Mustangs posted a 35‑22 record and finished third in the Big West Conference. The following year they surged to 43‑19, captured their second Big West title and topped the nation in team batting average.
Ahead of the 2026 Big West Championships the squad secured the regular‑season championship, underscoring the sustained success of the analytics program Riedel helped build.
Now Riedel is set to join the Seattle Mariners as a baseball projects analyst. In that role he hopes to give underclassmen the same confidence and exposure he found at Cal Poly, ensuring that the next generation of players can leverage data without feeling overwhelmed.