The Chico State baseball team has a lot to be proud of so far this season, but nothing has brought more joy to the Wildcats then the way the baseball community has rallied to support their teammate.
 
Chico State second baseman Andru Cardenas fell ill prior to the Wildcats' road trip last weekend. When it became clear he would remain hospitalized for a significant period of time, and that it would be best for him to be near his family in the Los Angeles area, a YouCaring page was set up ask for help paying for the airlift.
 
The response was remarkable. In less than a week, 391 supporters have given $39,170, surpassing the $30,000 goal. All additional funds will be used to help offset costs related to his continued care and rehabilitation, according to the YouCaring page.
 
The Wildcats were traveling to Carson for a series at Cal State Dominguez Hills when Cardenas was hospitalized. They felt terrible being so far away from him in his time of need.
 
But they stayed close in spirit.
 
"He's been on our minds all week," said Head Coach Dave Taylor during Thursday's practice. "We didn't ignore it. We talked about him constantly. We talk about him all the time out here. When your teammate and your friend goes through something traumatic like this baseball becomes secondary. But we keep coming out here because that's what Andru would do and that's what he expects us to do."
 
Close friend and teammate Jimbo Pernetti said the Wildcats' three-game sweep felt especially good because it was for Cardenas.
 
"Before the games we gathered everyone together to say a prayer for Andru. It was tough being so far away from him. But we used that feeling as motivation to go get him a sweep and give him something positive out of the weekend," said Pernetti. "All of us are real close to Andru. We all see ourselves as his brothers. We just want him to know that we are all thinking about him and he is as much a part of this team as ever."
 
The Wildcats improved to 24-5 overall and 17-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with the sweep. They also rose to the top of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association national poll. They're ranked No. 3 by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and Perfect Game USA, and No. 10 by D2 Baseball News.
 
Taylor says that Cardenas has been a key to the team's success.
 
"He's one of the guys who really keeps us loose. We miss his presence during practice and miss his talent during games," said Taylor. "But he's got a bigger fight going on right now and we're happy he's doing better. But he's still an important part of what we are doing. We are keeping him close no matter where he is."
 
The Wildcats host Cal State San Marcos for a three-game series this weekend beginning with a doubleheader Saturday at noon and closing with a single game Sunday at 11 a.m.
 
All three games will be broadcast locally on AM-1290 KPAY.

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Saturday's first game marks the midway point of the Wildcats' conference season. But they've come farther than that in many ways already.
 
"My teammates and my coaching staff have changed the way I look at friendships," Cardenas said via a direct Twitter message Thursday afternoon. "I never imagined being in a situation like this. They've been so helpful. They're all awesome for what they've done. All the well wishes and the support the team and the baseball community has given me has been very humbling."