LA MIRADA --- The recruiting class for the 2024-2025 season has been highly discussed, with true freshman Luke Ballantyne emerging as a reliable arm for the Eagles. With a 3-1 record, he already boasts 10 starts in his rookie season, while leading the team in strikeouts. His solid consistency on the mound showcases his potential to become a true ace for the Eagles.

Ballantyne has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember; his first word was even "ball". He pursued Biola to get recruited on the team. He sent emails to all the coaches in hopes of receiving an offer. Despite Biola being a smaller school, Ballantyne highlighted its significant influence. His pitching coach and role model, former Twins minor league player Bobby O'Neil, attended Biola and spoke highly of the programs offered here. 

"It's a small school that has a lot of influence," said Ballantyne. "It's surprising that when you go out in your everyday life, you will meet people who know something about Biola."

One reason Ballantyne chose Biola was that he knew he would have the opportunity to play a lot of innings. 

"To be number two was more than I expected," said Ballantyne. "I'm just happy that I get to keep going out once a week to throw."

As the Eagles are deep into their season, Ballantyne is now game one starter for each series. 

Despite his freshman status, this left-handed hurler can consistently throw 90 mph. When speaking with Ballantyne, he mentioned his favorite pitch is a fastball. 

"I had said my fastball, but my answer now is that whatever one gets an out," said  Ballantyne.

And his curveball is his best pitch he throws off speed.

MENTORS 

The coaches helped him transition to a higher level of competition in the PacWest conference.

"They give me a lot of opportunities," said Ballantyne. They're very calm and are willing to tell me when I'm wrong, but they are also willing to let me fail. I feel like failure is the best way to learn, and so by giving me opportunities over and over again, I've been able to grow." 

A new challenge Ballantyne has faced coming from high school is the introduction of the pitch clock. While there was no pitch clock in high school, the NCAA competition has made it an important factor in the game.

"The pitch clock is something different, and to be honest, I'm a fast-paced pitcher, so I don't usually have problems with it, but it is definitely interesting," said Ballantyne. "You just gotta make sure that those rules are in the back of your head, or else you'll violate something." 

BROTHERHOOD

Although this group consists mostly of new players, they have one of the best team chemistries and cultures both on and off the field. Ballantyne adds that they have the opportunity to create the environment and culture since the majority of the players are new.

"Every guy's great to talk to. Every guy's welcoming," said Ballantyne. "They're all great for learning, growth, and competition."

Senior right-handed pitcher Caleb Bennett, Ballantyne saw as a mentor who understood him. Also, being a pitcher, Bennett relates to the freshman and helps him grow. 

"He's a great leader," said Ballantyne. "He has a lot of compassion for a lot of the younger guys."

The coaches and players have created an environment that fosters competitive spirit and helps him grow into the player he is today. 

TWO-WAY PLAYER? 

Coming out of High school, Ballantyne was not a PO (pitcher only). In fact, batting was one of his favorite elements of the game; now, at Biola, he is a PO. Ballantyne was on varsity for three seasons, and he continuously batted over .300. 

"I want to take some BP (batting practice)," said Ballantyne. "I love hitting. That's the only thing I don't like about being a PO: I don't get to hit."

A rule the Eagles have is that if you can throw a shutout, the pitcher gets batting practice, so now Ballantyne is working hard to get some time in the cages. 

"The reality is, like, I'm too valuable as an arm than a bat," said Ballantyne. 

The Eagles have a solid blend of contact and power hitters. Although Ballantyne's stats prove he would add some depth to the lineup, the Eagles depend on his arm. 

PLAYING FOR GOD 

Baseball is a mental game where a player faces mental and physical challenges. If a player can shift their mentality and remember who they are playing for, there will be a shift in the performance. 

Mental toughness plays a significant role for a starting pitcher, and Ballantyne maintains a calm composure that helps him multitask and not get rattled. 

"Working hitters, knowing what you've already thrown them, it's a lot of thinking," said Ballantyne. "I'm going to throw the ball, but you got to know where. There's a lot of thinking involved. It's very mental." 

When an athlete puts on their uniform, they understand the great responsibility that comes with being an Eagle. 

"In the end, we play baseball, not for the playoffs, not for championships, but for God," said Ballantyne. "Getting up on that mound is the best way I can try to show the gifts that God gave me. And I think that if everyone went out and played just like that, you're gonna play the best baseball you can." 

Ballantyne and the Eagles still have work to do in the 2025 season with a 12-game homestand on deck, beginning with a doubleheader against Fresno Pacific on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 12:00 pm.