A Rising Star Joins the Bulldogs
Ben McKinnon, a 6‑foot‑2 right‑handed pitcher from Vancouver, British Columbia, has officially signed with Louisiana Tech University to join the baseball program for the 2027 season. The commitment marks the next step in a promising development path that began on the West Coast and has taken him across the country.
McKinnon arrives in Ruston after two seasons at Bossier Parish Community College, where he posted a 3.45 earned run average and struck out 70 batters in 70.1 innings as a freshman. His performance earned him a First Team All‑NJCAA Region 14 selection and a spot among the NJCAA Division I Top 100 players as recognized by Prep Baseball Report.
Beyond his college achievements, the pitcher has represented British Columbia at the 2023 Baseball Canada Cup Championships and helped the White Rock Tritons capture the BCPBL Championship in 2024. Those experiences have honed his competitive edge and prepared him for the rigors of Division I play.
Louisiana Tech’s coaching staff, led by head coach Lane Burroughs, sees McKinnon as a key piece of the program’s future. His blend of size, velocity, and poise on the mound aligns with the Bulldogs’ strategic goals, and the team expects him to make an immediate impact once he steps onto the campus.
From the Pacific Northwest to the Heart of Louisiana
The transition from Bossier Parish Community College to Louisiana Tech also represents a geographic shift that brings McKinnon closer to a new fan base and a different style of collegiate competition. The move underscores the growing reach of Canadian talent in U.S. college baseball.
As the 2027 season approaches, expectations are high for the young pitcher. With a track record of strong strikeout rates — including a 10.87 K/9 in 2026 — and a proven ability to complete games, McKinnon is poised to contribute significantly to the Bulldogs’ pitching rotation.