Ball State University announced the hiring of Alex Burden as an operations/analytics specialist for its baseball program, a move that brings a data‑focused mindset to the coaching staff.
Burden, a left‑handed pitcher who earned a degree in data analytics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, joins a staff that already includes Alex Maloney, Bob Keller and Luke Jaksich under head coach Rich Maloney.
His two‑season tenure with the Cardinals saw him record 60 strikeouts over 63.2 innings in 32 appearances during 2025 and 2026, blending pitching experience with a growing analytical perspective.
The new role is designed to support recruiting initiatives and to develop statistical models that will help the program achieve its objectives for the 2027 season.
Rich Maloney, now in his 32nd overall season as head coach and his 22nd at Ball State, praised Burden’s combination of on‑field know‑how and analytical talent as a valuable addition to the roster.