The Blazers’ outstanding right-handed pitcher is a true example of how going to college can help a pitcher grow and mature as a player. Alex Luna posted ERAs of 9.15 and 5.19 in his freshman and sophomore campaigns respectively before breaking onto the scene as a junior. In his third season he posted an ERA of 1.76 and went 7-1 in 15 starts. He struck out 58 batters in 87 innings pitched and had a WHIP of 1.06.
His senior year hasn’t gone quite as expected as he was dealing with an illness earlier in the year, but he’s still one of the Blazers’ top starting pitchers with an ERA of 3.70 in 11 starts with 40 strikeouts over 59.1 innings. Now that UAB has clinched a spot in the Conference USA Tournament, he’ll look to improve on his career numbers and lead UAB to a championship.
What drew you to wanting to play for UAB? What’s your favorite part of being with the Blazers?
The coaching staff at UAB is definitely what drew me to play here. After my Tommy John surgery in high school many colleges stopped recruiting me. The staff at UAB continued to believe in me and stuck with me the entire time. All of the coaches have unbelievable character and experience, which helped my decision as well. My favorite part of being with the Blazers is the unique family/team I have been blessed to be a part of. I honestly believe this program is one of a kind with how we play the game and the way we act on and off the field, trying to honor God in every aspect.
If you weren’t playing baseball, what would you be hoping to do career-wise?
I am majoring in business management in the hope that I can take over my dad’s sporting goods store, Winning Edge Sports, in Huntsville, Ala. He started this company right after he graduated high school so it has always been a kind of dream of mine to run the business or possibly open up another location that I would own.
Who are some of the biggest influences in your life? How have they helped you progress as a baseball player?
My dad is the biggest influence in my life. He has always supported me in all of the different sports I have played and always told me to follow my heart and dreams. He has spent countless hours driving me to ball games or practicing with me. He has always provided me with the encouragement and support I have needed on and off the field.
Who are some current or former MLB players (if any) that you try and model you’re game after? Why?
One of the players I try to model my pitching after is Greg Maddux. He had a phenomenal career and is one of my favorite pitchers. I love watching him play because he didn’t throw the hardest, but he beat hitters by having excellent location and movement on all of his pitches. He shows that you can be successful without throwing upper 90’s.
What is your favorite baseball memory from your collegiate career so far?
It would be a close call between two different occasions. Winning the Conference USA Tournament my freshman year is a memory that I will never forget. Last year we were blessed enough to travel and play Hawaii. Being on the beach and touring all the different places with my teammates was a blast. I also got to start in front of 3,000 people at their home field and pitched one of the best games I had last year. I ended up getting on the front page of their sports newspaper the next day. It was a great experience on and off the field.
Being a senior, what are some aspects of your game that have improved the most over your collegiate career? How have you developed as a pitcher?
I would say the biggest improvement for me has been the mental side of pitching. Knowing how to pitch in different situations and learning how to use my strengths better. I have learned a lot about different types of hitters and how to approach them.
What are some areas you’re looking to improve on that will hopefully help your chances of being drafted this summer?
I believe that continuing to work on my miles per hour is an area that can always help my chances. Continuing to stay hungry and not getting complacent. I think that I just need to continue to work hard and keep perfecting my craft so that I can have the best chance of pitching to my capabilities every outing.
Is being selected in the MLB Draft something you’re hoping for, or is it something that if it happens, it happens?
I am definitely hoping to be selected in the MLB Draft. It has always been my dream and it’s just a blessing to even have this opportunity. I also realize that all I can control is myself and my performance, so I also think if it happens, it happens to some extent.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at UAB? What do you want to be remembered for the most?
I want be remembered as a great leader and teammate on this years’ team. To be a guy who went out every week and competed as hard as possible and tried his best to win for his team. I want my coaches and teammates to remember me for having respectable character and treating people with love and respect and just playing the game the right way.
