EAGLE, Idaho --- Connor Butler has played baseball in five states since starting his collegiate career at the University of Hawaii, but the goal has always been clear. 

The former 4A Southern Idaho Conference standout wanted to play on a team with postseason, and ultimately championship, aspirations. So Butler will set out from Eagle, Idaho once again to join a Biola baseball team that was one of the top-ranked teams in the NCAA DII West Region in 2020.

"I chose Biola because I believe I will be able to grow personally, academically and athletically here," said Butler. "I am excited to come play on a top-10 team in the country and compete for a national championship!"
 
Butler spent the 2019-20 academic year at Spokane Falls Community College, where he helped the Sasquatch start the 2020 schedule with a 9-3 record before COVID-19 halted the season. The left-hander fanned five batters in just two innings during his first appearance in the Northwest Athletic Conference, continuing the type of numbers he posted for the Matsu Miners when he played in the Alaska Baseball League last summer. 
 
Butler struck out 20 batters in 13 innings as the Miners went 26-18 and qualified for the ABL playoffs in 2019. And his work-ethic remains the same this summer, it is just focused in the classroom so he can complete his associate's degree before joining his new teammates at Biola. 
 
"Connor is a left-handed pitcher with velocity that adds more depth to our pitching staff," said Head Coach Jeff Calhoon. "He has the potential to be a very good pitcher in this program with his great stuff and I am juiced to have him be a part of our program!"
 
Before heading to Manoa two years ago, Butler was a decorated outfielder/pitcher at Bishop Kelly High School. 
 
He helped the Knights to 30 wins and back-to-back district tournament appearances in his two years as an upperclassmen. And he is still listed in the Knights' top-10 for single season ERA with a 1.71-mark during his junior season. Butler went onto win second team all-conference honors that year before moving up to the All-4A Southern Idaho Conference First Team as a senior and picking up First Team American Family Insurance All-USA Idaho team recognition. 
 
Butler intends to major in business administration at Biola and hopes to pursue a career in professional baseball before eventually moving to business endeavors. 
 
In the meantime, Connor Butler will look to contribute to an Eagles team that has legitimate hopes for a run at an NCAA West Regional Berth next season. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join him at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.