Biola Baseball is stacked with power, as public health junior James Whitman is a slugging machine impacting the team. Last season, he ranked 21st for the best batting average in the conference, led his team in OPS and home runs, and tied for third in home runs for the PacWest conference. Whether at the plate or on the field he’s a key player for the Eagles. 

TRUE UTILITY 

When Whitman was recruited, he overcame two obstacles: COVID and a broken hand, but he believes God called him to be at Biola.

“I didn’t know what it was before, but I just thought it was a sign from God,” said Whitman. “I got to know the coaches and thought this was the place to be. I just want to be here. I thought it was great.”

Whitman was recruited as a first baseman and pitcher, but he caught Biola’s attention through catching, even though he has not caught since high school. 

Coming in his freshman year, he was preparing to step on the mound, but he soon got injured and was placed in left field. Having played the game since he was five, he had never played outfield before. He had to adjust quickly to the new position while competing at the collegiate level. Last season, he recorded three outfield assists. Despite the challenge, Whitman embraced the opportunity because he wanted to contribute to his team in any way he could. 

Now entering his junior year, Whitman is back to his natural position in first base. He has played for so long it comes to him naturally. 

“It’s like riding a bike,” said Whitman. “Everything just comes so naturally. I did have to knock off a bit of rust, but I’m glad to be back.” 

BIGGER THAN BASEBALL

Being a part of Biola’s baseball program, Whitman is not just a player on the field but also a player who projects Christian sportsmanship. Being on the Biola baseball team is bigger than the game. 

“We have to make sure that we’re always on our best behavior, understanding that we’re representing more than just ourselves, but our family, the Biola name, and who God is,” said Whitman.

Whitman plans to build on last year’s momentum by staying faithful to God. 

“Keeping my faith in God, because he’s blessed me with the abilities to stay healthy and given me the talents to perform how I did last season, and just keeping that faith,” said Whitman. “I pray I stay healthy this entire season, and he already has it all written out, so I just hope that what he has written out aligns with what I want to do this season.”

Looking to improve his all-around game, Whitman is focusing on improving his speed and has been training on the track; his goal for this season is to steal more bases. As he matures through the game, his performance is only expected to improve. Having gained experience as an underclassman, he now has a better feel for the collegiate level and is poised to continue growing as a player.

LEGACY 

As a ballplayer, Whitman hopes to be home run king and break the record for most homers. 

“I want to be the single-season and career home run king,” said Whitman. “I’m about 14 home runs away from tying the record and 15 from breaking it.” 

Whitman is excited for the season to start and he is antsy about getting out there on the field. 

“We have the chance to do something exciting like this is our year,” said Whitman. “We have a really good freshman class. We have a lot of good guys out of the portal, so I’m excited to see what they have to bring to the field.” 

Baseball is a brotherhood, and the team only gets stronger the closer they are together. 

“We’re just all one big group, which I love,” said Whitman. “I have 45 brothers on that team.”

By the time Whitman graduates, he hopes to make a lasting impact on the community at Biola and his team.

“I just want to be someone that people can look to, and I want to be a friend to people,” said Whitman. “I want people to say that he was a good person. That’s the biggest thing.”