Cal’s Chadd Krist, who prepped at Petaluma High, was drafted in the ninth round of the MLB draft Tuesday by the Chicago Cubs. He was drafted in the 13th round last year but elected to return for his senior season. (Photo by DAVE EINSEL / Associated Press, 2011)

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Moving up in the Major League Baseball draft, Chadd Krist from Petaluma was a ninth-round pick of the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

An All-Pac 12 player at California and three-time All-Empire selection from Petaluma High, Krist was taken in the 13th round by the Chicago White Sox a year ago.

Krist returned to play his senior season at California, anchoring the Bears at catcher. Krist batted .294 and was third on the Bears with 65 hits. The team leader with 19 doubles, Krist also knocked in 36 runners.

Finishing a four-year career at California, Krist holds the all-time doubles record with 65. He graduated with a bachelor’s in American studies.

This season, Cal went 29-25, unable to reach the NCAA Division I tournament and duplicate last year’s magic. After dropping the Houston Regional opener last season, Cal won six straight postseason games to reach the College World Series. The Bears went 1-2 in Omaha.

As a ninth-round selection, Krist could sign for up to $130,000 — the amount slotted by baseball for that round.

Once signed, Krist will report to the Cubs to begin his professional career.

You can reach Staff Writer Michael Coit at 521-5470 or mike.coit@pressdemocrat.com.