Feb. 24, 2010
Getting to know: Buddy Borden, a 2009-10 signee who will enroll at UNLV in the fall of 2010 and be eligible to play for the Rebels in the spring of 2011.
Buddy Borden (RHP) ... A letterwinner for local Arbor View High School ... One of two recruits in this year's class from Arbor View, joining teammate Zach Hartman ... Earned first team All-Sunrise and Northwest Division honors ... Named second team Southern Nevada and all-state ... Earned his team's Cy Young award ... A member of the Southern Nevada St. Louis Cardinals scout team and he was a member of the South Team in the Kelly Showcase, along with Hartman ... Played for the Reds area code team ... Also played on the Southern Nevada junior Olympic team ... A honor-roll student who currently has a 4.19 GPA.
Q: What made you so interested in UNLV? What was your biggest attraction to the school and the team?
UNLV was the first school that showed me extreme interest as a player. I also felt that out of all the schools I was looking at, UNLV was the most honest and upfront with me about my game. I feel the opportunities that are here at UNLV, not only as an athlete but as a student, will help me be successful in my life after college.
Q: Tell me how it felt to sign your letter of intent? What was that experience like for you, your family and your friends?
To sign my letter of intent was awesome. It was a huge accomplishment of a life long dream to play D1 baseball. It was a relief to finally not have to worry about next year and really focus on my senior season and our team goals.
Q: Now that you have signed, what is your goal for your senior season?
My goal for my senior season is to be the best player I can be for myself and my team. Our goal this year is to get to playoffs and make a dent! I plan on playing the role my teammates and coaches have set for me. While at the same time being better than last year and improving with every outing.
Q: What was your first impression of the UNLV coaching staff and how did that change, if any, during the recruiting process?
My first impression of the coaching staff was only through rumors across Las Vegas. But once I met them for myself and saw what UNLV had to offer it made my decision to commit there much easier. My local High School Coach, Chris Martinez, told me that they were very good coaches that would help me develop as a player and as a person.
Q: What are your expectations once you join the UNLV team next year?
I plan again being the best I can be at the role given to me. I plan to work hard and try to earn some early playing time. My goal is to become a part of UNLV's big game pitchers. Someone the team could have confidence going to in the conference championship.
Q: What's the thing you enjoy most about baseball and why?
I enjoy the feeling you get when you make a big play that helps your team win. I enjoy the competitiveness of the game and how baseball can take you away from everything else going on in the world. But most of all I like looking back at success and seeing the hard work and effort that went into it. Baseball is something I couldn't imagine living without and I'm very thankful to be given the opportunity to play at the next level.
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
My parents have been the most influential people in my life. My dad teaches me that hard work is necessary and the reward will come in time and my mom for teaching me there is always some good in a situation while having a positive outlook on life.
Q: What are some of the things you enjoy doing when you're not playing baseball?
I like hanging out with friends, going to places around town or just sitting at home playing video games. I also love to play pickup games of basketball and football.
Q: What is something that most people don't know about you?
Up until I was five my dream was to become a bull rider. I also participated in a local horse show on a horse named Buddy and won first place.
Q: If someone asked a good friend of yours to describe you, what do you think they would say?
My friend Jason Smulo said "he is a smart, handsome young man who can bring a laugh into any situation. He works hard on and off the field. While on the field he tries to lead our team to get better each and every day. He is fun to hang out with and is a great and loyal friend to have."
Q: Are you someone who has been active in the community? If so, what are some of the things you have done in the past?
I have done community service in the Las Vegas Valley. I have done this with the Arbor View baseball team as we try to make a strong impression on the community.
Q: I assume that playing Major League Baseball is a goal of yours, but what else would you want to do once your playing days are over? Do you know what you'd like to study at UNLV?
Baseball is something I love. This is exactly why I want it to be a part of my life forever. In the future I would love to coach at a high school or higher level. Or I would like to be a physical therapist to constantly be around athletes.
