By Pete Pelegrin
Twitter: @Petepelegrin

With more than half of its roster comprised of new players the FIU baseball team has such a different look this coming season that you might need to hand out "Hello, My Name is" stickers at the FIU ballpark. Since there are so many new faces, from now until Opening Day on Feb. 16 when Missouri comes to town for a three-game series, we'll profile the newest Panthers as well as the returning FIU ballplayers.
 
LOGAN ALLEN, LHP/1B, Freshman

What were you doing last baseball season?

LA: I was in high school at University in Orlando where we made it to the state playoffs. In the semifinals I threw a no-hitter.

What is your best baseball experience?

LA: Probably that state semifinal game. We won 4-0 and I actually went 2 for 4 with a solo home run and 4 RBI and threw a no-hitter.



Give me an example of a game or a moment that makes baseball such a great game.

LA: Watching my brother, Hunter, play college baseball. He plays at Alabama State. Watching him get his first college hit in his first at-bat was special. His freshman year he hit a pinch-hit double against Louisville for his first hit. That was pretty cool. I probably won't get the chance to watch him much this year. It's his senior year.  

You are expected to pitch as well as play first base and hit this season. Are there any kinds of adjustments you have to make going from one position to the other?

LA: I think I just have to focus on each position at a time. Like when I'm on the mound I just have to worry about pitching. Then when I go to first base it's just muscle memory and play first base the way I've been playing first base my whole life.

FIU coach Mervyl Melendez says about Allen:

"Logan will most likely hit in the top of the lineup and also command one of the spots in the weekend rotation. Very strong both at the plate and on the mound."