Brief Introduction of Ben Joyce
Benjamin “Ben” Alan Joyce is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Joyce has become one of the most talked-about young players in modern baseball, primarily for his extraordinary throwing velocity. During his college career at the University of Tennessee, he gained national acclaim for throwing the fastest pitch in college baseball history. This remarkable feat, coupled with his continued success at the professional level, has established him as a rising star and a formidable presence on the pitcher’s mound. His journey from a late bloomer in high school to a record-breaking phenom is a testament to his dedication and natural talent.
Ben Joyce Overview
| Full Name | Benjamin Alan Joyce |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Famous For | Throwing one of the fastest pitches in baseball history |
| Education | Farragut High School, Walters State Community College, University of Tennessee |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Spouse / Partner | Anna Leanos |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million – $2 million |
Early Life and Education of Ben Joyce
Ben Joyce was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also grew up. He attended Farragut High School, and interestingly, his path to baseball stardom was not immediate. During his freshman year, he was a mere 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed around 100 pounds. Due to his smaller stature, he did not make the varsity baseball team until his junior year. However, a significant growth spurt saw him shoot up to 6 feet tall by his junior year and he continued to grow, reaching 6 feet 5 inches by the end of his time at Walters State Community College. This physical transformation was a critical factor in his development as a power pitcher. After high school, Joyce and his twin brother, Zach, enrolled at Walters State Community College. His freshman season was unfortunately missed due to a stress fracture in his elbow. Despite this setback, he continued to develop and in his sophomore year, he recorded a 3–1 win-loss record with a 4.79 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 20+2⁄3 innings pitched. Following his time at community college, he transferred to the University of Tennessee.
Ben Joyce Career
Early Career
Ben Joyce’s early career was marked by perseverance through injuries. After missing his freshman season at Walters State Community College with a stress fracture, he faced another significant hurdle upon transferring to the University of Tennessee. Joyce tore his ulnar collateral ligament during a fall practice, which necessitated Tommy John surgery and caused him to miss his entire first season with the Volunteers. This period of his career tested his resolve, but he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and strength training. This hard work paid off, as he returned to the mound stronger than ever, with a significant increase in his pitching velocity. It was during this time that the foundation for his future success was laid, turning a period of adversity into an opportunity for growth and development.
Breakthrough
Ben Joyce’s breakthrough moment came during his redshirt junior season at the University of Tennessee. It was in this season that he captured the attention of the baseball world with his phenomenal fastball. He consistently threw over 100 miles per hour, but on May 1, 2022, he made history. In a game against Auburn, he threw a pitch that was clocked at an astounding 105.5 miles per hour, the fastest recorded pitch in the history of college baseball. This incredible feat went viral and instantly made him a sensation. He finished that season with a 2.23 ERA and 53 strikeouts in just over 32 innings pitched. His record-breaking speed and impressive performance firmly established him as a top prospect for the upcoming MLB draft.
Major Achievements and Success
Following his historic college season, Ben Joyce was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft. He signed with the team and received a signing bonus of nearly $1 million. He began his professional career in Double-A with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Joyce’s ascent through the minor leagues was swift, and he made his Major League Baseball debut on May 29, 2023, against the Chicago White Sox. In his debut, he pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. He continued to showcase his incredible arm strength in the major leagues. On September 3, 2024, he once again hit 105.5 mph with a fastball to strike out Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This pitch was not only a personal best but also one of the fastest pitches ever recorded in MLB history.
Recent Work / Current Status
Ben Joyce has become an integral part of the Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen. He continues to be a formidable relief pitcher, known for his high-velocity fastballs and developing secondary pitches. While he has faced some time on the injured list, his resilience and work ethic have seen him return to the mound with the same electrifying speed. He is currently focused on maintaining his health and further refining his pitching arsenal to become a more dominant and consistent force for the Angels in the late innings of games. His presence on the roster adds a significant and intimidating element to the team’s pitching staff.
Ben Joyce Awards and Achievements
- Recorded the fastest pitch in college baseball history (105.5 mph).
- 2022 NCBWA All-American (3rd Team).
- 2022 Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll.
- 2020-21 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.
Ben Joyce Personal Life & Family
Ben Joyce has a twin brother named Zach, who is also a baseball pitcher and was drafted by the Angels in 2023. The brothers are known to be very close and supportive of each other’s careers. In his personal time, Joyce maintains a relatively private life. He is known to be a dedicated athlete who is focused on his career. In January 2025, he announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Anna Leanos.
Ben Joyce Relationship Details
Ben Joyce is currently in a long-term relationship with Anna Leanos. The couple recently got engaged in January 2025. Anna has been a supportive presence in Ben’s life throughout his rise in the baseball world. Further details about their relationship timeline and Anna’s profession are not publicly available.
Ben Joyce Net Worth and Income
While an exact figure is not publicly disclosed, Ben Joyce’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million. His primary sources of income are his salary from the Los Angeles Angels and his signing bonus from the 2022 MLB draft, which was reported to be $1 million. His MLB salary for 2025 was reported as $780,000. As a rising star with a unique and marketable skill, he has the potential for future endorsement deals and increased earnings as his career progresses.
Ben Joyce Physical Appearance
- Height: 6′ 5″ (196cm)
- Weight: 225 lbs (102kg)
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Brown
Ben Joyce Controversies
No major controversies have been reported involving Ben Joyce. He has maintained a professional and positive public image throughout his college and professional career.
Ben Joyce Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @ben_joyce08
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Ben Joyce
- Ben Joyce experienced a significant growth spurt after high school, growing from 5’5″ to 6’5″.
- His nickname is “The Volunteer Fireman,” a nod to his time at the University of Tennessee.
- He and his twin brother, Zach, were both drafted by the Los Angeles Angels.
- The 105.5 mph pitch he threw in college was commemorated as a non-fungible token (NFT).
Ben Joyce Legacy and Influence
Despite being early in his career, Ben Joyce has already made a significant impact on the sport of baseball. His record-breaking velocity has pushed the boundaries of what is thought to be possible for a pitcher. He has become a source of fascination for fans and analysts alike, drawing comparisons to some of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the history of the game. His journey of overcoming injuries and his dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to young athletes. As he continues to develop at the major league level, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant and influential relief pitchers of his generation, leaving a lasting legacy defined by his incredible arm talent.
Final Words about Ben Joyce
Ben Joyce’s story is one of remarkable transformation and extraordinary talent. From a high school player who was initially overlooked to a record-setting phenom, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and physical development. Armed with one of the most electric fastballs the sport has ever seen, he has quickly become a must-watch player in Major League Baseball. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, the future looks incredibly bright for this Knoxville native. His impact on the game is already being felt, and he is poised to be a significant figure in baseball for years to come.