Ryan Balaban '24 Recruiting Profile

My love for the game of baseball began at the age of 6 when I started playing Little League Baseball. It wasn’t long before I realized talent is great, but it only gets you so far. As I grew older and started playing against better competition, I learned there are no shortcuts. Hard work, focus, perseverance and the right mind set are essential to competing, excelling and winning. Playing competitive baseball is  a journey, a commitment,  my vision and my passion. It requires discipline, sacrifice and a willingness to put in the time and effort needed to improve your skills. I have dedicated myself to this endeavor spending countless hours in the backyard, on the field, in the batting cage and in the gym giving it my all.

Exhibiting leadership is also a necessary component to make an impact and succeed in baseball and in life. In the classroom and on the field, I strive to be a role model and lead by example. I take pride in my academics and athletics. I have maintained a 4.0 or higher GPA in my first three years of high school. I’m a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society. I volunteer in my local community and enjoy working with younger or disabled kids through Challenger Baseball. I am personable, humble, and coachable – always seeking feedback to learn, grow and improve as a person and as an athlete. At the same time, I am a fierce competitor and perform well under pressure. I don’t give up or dwell on set backs. I know one has to take calculated risks and go backwards to move forward - learning from mistakes and hardships.

I am a two-sport athlete.  I also play varsity basketball. Our team has consistently won district championships. I enjoy the fast-pace and physicality of basketball. However, the teamwork (getting nine players to coalesce versus five), the comradery and the strategy required to succeed in baseball draws me in. I was the only freshman and sophomore starter on my high school varsity team (playing corner infield - mostly first base). Our team made school history - earning a spot in the state playoffs three years in a row (2021, 2022, 2023). I was named team captain for the 2023 season (a position typically reserved for a senior). I was also named to the Mid Penn Conference All-Star team this past year.  As I enter my senior year, I know our coaches and players are looking for me to continue to lead. I am up to the challenge and will continue to mentor, motivate and inspire my teammates to give their personal best so that we can succeed together. My goal is winning the district championship and another post-season run in 2024.

My collegiate goals are to attend a challenging academic institution and play baseball at the highest level possible where I can contribute and grow. On the field, I plan to be a dynamic player and a positive influence. I will strive to be an asset to the team, the infield and the batting line-up. Most importantly, I will conduct myself with honor and respect on and off the field, knowing that my behavior and actions reflect on my team, on my coaches and on my school.