CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Johnson City’s Julien Hachem (Erskine College) was named the 2026 Pitcher of the Year.
Hachem, 21, went 3-1 with two saves and a 2.10 ERA in 14 appearances for the Johnson City Doughboys en route to earning Pitcher of the Year honors. The left-hander struck out 35 in 25 2/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on 16 hits and 14 walks. Hachem led the Appalachian League in ERA, WHIP (1.17), opponent’s batting average (.176) and strikeouts per nine innings (12.27). He was tied for second in games finished (7), tied for fourth in strikeouts and saves and tied for fifth in appearances.
“It was a privilege to watch Julien compete this summer,” Doughboys pitching coach Reid Casey said. “Julien exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding competitor, teammate and leader, and this honor is a thoroughly deserved testament to his hard work and character.”
Hachem was the Appalachian League’s Pitcher of the Week for July 6-12 after throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and only allowing one hit in two appearances. After posting a 3.38 ERA in eight appearances in June, Hachem did not allow a run in July. In six July appearances, the lefty went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and four walks. Hachem’s six straight appearances without allowing an earned run was tied for the fourth longest streak in the Appy League this season.
Hachem earned the win after pitching a perfect inning with two strikeouts in the Doughboys' 4-3 exhibition game victory against the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Stars on June 28 in Danville. On June 9 in Elizabethton, Hachem struck out a season-high five in three scoreless innings. The southpaw’s longest outing of the summer came in Burlington on July 7, when he went 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four.
“Beyond his versatility and willingness to step up in any scenario on the mound, his commitment to elevating those around him made an incredible impact on our pitching staff,” Casey added.
The Oak Park, Ill., native appeared in 15 games for Erskine College this spring, striking out 18 over 11 2/3 innings. Hachem recently signed with the Pioneer League’s Modesto Roadsters. Through five appearances for the Roadsters, Hachem has a 4.50 ERA and seven strikeouts in four innings.
About the Appalachian League
Founded in 1911, the Appalachian League is one of the longest-running baseball leagues in history. The Appy League is the only collegiate summer league under MLB and USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline (“PDP”) and is an integral part of the identification and development process for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Teams and other future National teams.
For more information about the Appalachian League, visit appyleague.com or follow @appyleague and @appyleaguedata on X, and @appyleague on Instagram.
