Incoming freshman primed to be a dynamic athlete

By Lisell Waterman/Staff Writer

 

Logan Allen, the left-handed pitcher and first baseman for FIU’s baseball team, hopes to mature and grow during his freshman season at FIU.

“My strongest feature, I think, would be my leadership,” said Allen. “As a freshman maybe I can influence the older guys and bring us closer.”

Allen was named Conference USA Preseason Freshman of the Year by D1Baseball.com. The freshman was named Impact Player alongside teammate Christian Santana. Santana is a freshman right-handed pitcher.

Allen’s transition from high school to the collegiate level has been eased by the members of the baseball team.

“We’re very close, makes everyone feel like they’re family,” said the left-handed pitcher. “It doesn’t feel like you’re coming to a group of people you don’t know, it’s like you know them before you came.”

Allen, born in Deltona, Florida, attended University High School in Orlando. During his senior year in high school, Allen led the Cougars to the state semifinals, in which he threw a no-hitter and went 2-for-4 at the plate, including a home run.

Allen and the Cougars fell in the state final against Timber Creek High School, 5-0.

The first baseman was ranked eighth in the state and 49th in the nation for his overall stats. He was ranked second in the state as a left-handed pitcher.

Allen was also part of the 1st Team Senior Preseason All-America, this is an achievement awarded by Perfect Game to high-school seniors that portray the best in their class.

He finished the off the year with a 13-0 record and an ERA of 0.35, he also registered 150 strikeouts in 81 innings pitched. According to Perfect Game Inc., Allen only allowed 29 hits and 4 earned runs all season, according to Perfect Game Inc.

Allen chose FIU’s baseball program not only for the reputation it holds but how it feels to work with his team.

“It feels like home, it’s a place I can grow and mature,” said Allen.

Head coach Mervyl Melendez will look to get Allen into the rotation as soon as possible.

“Logan will most likely hit in the top of the lineup,” Melendez told FIU Athletics. “And command one of the spots in the weekend rotation. Very strong both at the plate and on the mound.”

The FIU baseball team begins their season against the Mizzou Tigers at 7 p.m., at the FIU Baseball Stadium on Feb. 16. The Panthers and Tigers will play a three-game series, ending Sunday, Feb. 18.