The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known Biblical stories, detailing an account of a son leaving home to pursue his own interests, but eventually returning home to be welcomed back with open arms. 

Biola Baseball player Ryan Han lived a similar story, leaving Biola University after a year to attend Riverside City College during his sophomore year in hopes of pursuing NCAA Division I baseball and one day getting drafted. 

After redshirting his freshman season at Biola, he felt he was capable of pursuing his baseball dream at a higher level.  With friends from Riverside City College speaking highly of the coaching staff at the 2-year school, he decided to "jump the gun." 

"I felt that would help me get to the right direction of where I wanted to end up," said Han. "That's why I decided to go to junior college instead of transferring to another four-year college. However, I felt like I wasn't myself when I got to my new school. I really took the camaraderie and the guys at Biola for granted." 

After taking the field as an RCC Tiger in Fall 2024, Han began to miss Biola and he reached out to Coach Jesse Rodgers.

"Biola is a special place. Just being here, I feel closer to God," said Han.

He decided to take the season off and work on himself. For most athletes, their identity is tied to the game, and without baseball, Han felt himself slipping into an identity crisis.

"I learned a lot about myself and about how God gives us trials and tribulations," said Han. 

Since his freshman year, Han has Proverbs 3:5 tattooed on his arm, but he didn't fully understand the implications of that verse until that season. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding".

Although he wasn't playing baseball in spring 2025, it didn't mean it wasn't on his mind. He and coach Rodgers were entertaining the idea of his return as an Eagle. After many texts and a phone call, Han made his comeback to Biola, no tryout needed. 

"I felt like it was something that I'm just gonna have to look back on the rest of my life and regret," said Han. "But I had a really good conversation with Coach Rodgers, and that eventually led to me coming back to play this year."

Not many programs would take back a player in that position, but at Biola, Han was welcomed with grace and open arms. Coming back to Biola also meant stepping into a program built on more than wins and losses.

"That's something I don't take for granted," said Han. "It's clear they care about us as a person, not just as a baseball player."

Han still felt a responsibility to prove himself when he returned to the friendly confines of Eagles Diamond.

"I felt like I needed to prove to my teammates and coaches," said Han. "That this wasn't a mistake and that I'm still the player that I was when I left."

The Biola baseball team is described as a brotherhood. Their team chemistry is evident in how they play and the camaraderie visible from the dugouts during games. 

"Here at Biola, everything's Christ-centered, and that's a big thing that draws us together," said Han. "Doing Bible studies together, doing activities, and hanging out together every day."

Han credits the coaches with instilling strong Christian values in all their players. They share wisdom, they are role models, and even select a new Bible verse for every gameday to help put players' minds at peace and bring perspective back to what's important.

"Here, we're not idolizing baseball," said Han. "It's something that God has blessed us with, and all we're doing is using the talents that God has given us to play for his name."

Putting on the Eagles uniform the second time around now has even greater meaning for Han. Here, he's a part of something much bigger than himself.