SAN ANTONIO — Jalen Battles has always had a competitive fire.
It grew even more so in San Antonio, where he was a three-sport star at James Madison High School. Battles earned All-District honors in baseball, football and basketball.
“The bonds that were created, especially my senior year, our chemistry was so tight,” Battles said. “It was different. I mean, I feel it with this team now.”
After two years at McLennan Community College in Waco, Battles is now anchoring the middle infield for the Razorbacks.
He came back for his senior season instead of opting for the MLB Draft, largely because of Arkansas’ failure to make the College World Series last season.
“Of course, we want to win it, but even if we get there, it’s a dream come true,” Battles said. “Everybody wants to play in Omaha.”
N.C. State stopped Arkansas short of the College World Series in the Super Regionals in 2021. Battles was the final out in his team’s Game 3 loss.
“Making the last out, it sucked. I take that with me every day,” Battles said.
A moment that stoked that competitive fire.
“We’ve always been a competitive family, whatever we do,” Battles said. “We can be playing a board game. And I mean, it’s just so competitive, especially my dad.”
Jalen’s dad, Fred, has been his mentor throughout his career.
“He’s a lot more hands off right now, but I can still hear him chirping a little bit,” Battles said. “The main thing he taught me is to never quit anything that you do. I feel like that’s been with me ever since.”
Fred Battles was an NAIA All-American basketball player at Texas Lutheran University from 1986 to 1991.
“He’s my biggest hero. I mean, I just want to be like him,” Battles said.
“I’m very proud of him,” Fred Battles said. “The person he is, not the player he is, just how humble he is. How respectful he is to this community, his teachers, everyone. He’s just so humble, down to earth.”
He’s determined to make his college baseball dreams come true in Omaha.