Head Coach
Coach Balan has a wealth of experience to draw upon for our 15U Royals, with over a decade coaching locally and internationally under his belt – most recently with West Toronto 14U Elite, as well as running Balan Baseball Academy in the GTA.
The Whitby, Ontario native grew up playing locally, before heading to California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA D2) on a baseball scholarship, obtaining a degree in sociology. Ryan’s College career included the following honours: ·
Academic All-Conference Team (PSAC) x 2·
All-Conference Outfielder x 2·
All-Region Outfielder (Atlantic Region)·
Most Valuable Player (Atlantic Region)·
All-American (OF) 2002
Following his successful College career, Ryan was signed by the Boston Red Sox as a Pitcher and played at two levels of their minor league system in 2002 and 2003 (GCL Red Sox, Lowell Spinners).
Ryan continued to play professionally from 2004-2006 at the international level in the German Bundesliga, Australian Greater Brisbane Baseball League, and Dutch 1st League, earning multiple MVP honours and a Pitcher of the Year award. During his international career, Ryan promoted the game of baseball through various coaching and mentoring opportunities.
He has coached house league, rep, regional, and international teams, with player ages ranging from children and youth, to teens and adults.
Ryan's coaching method allows players to experience the game of baseball in a relaxed yet intensive way, encouraging them develop their skills progressively with self-confidence.