March 30, 2010
Zach Hartman (INF/RHP) ... Has earned three letters at local Arbor View High School ... Joins teammate Buddy Borden in this year's recruiting class ... A dominating pitcher, he holds single-season school records for fewest runs allowed (11), fewest hits (21) and fewest earned runs (6), all set in 2009 ... Named second team Sunset Region following that strong year ... Earned Gold Glove awards in 2008 and 2009 ... Was named his team's rookie of the year in 2008 ... 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 Borden ... A member of the Las Vegas 16-and-under USA baseball team in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Q: What made you so interested in UNLV? What was your biggest attraction to the school and the team? A: UNLV offers a great education, is close to home, and has a great campus. I also know several players and students who go there. The big attractions to the team are the coaching staff, the players, and the facility. UNLV has a great baseball tradition and I look forward to being a part of it.
Q: Tell me how it felt to sign your letter of intent? What was that experience like for you, your family and your friends? A: Signing my letter of intent is hard to describe. I can't tell you how excited and thankful I was. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders to know that I officially will be taking the next step in my baseball career. My family and friends are all very proud and excited for me.
Q: Now that you have signed, what is your goal for your senior season? A: My goals are to get good grades, to do really well my senior season, and to finish the year strong.
Q: What was your first impression of the coaching staff and how did that change, if any, during the recruiting process? A: I have had the opportunity to visit other colleges and baseball programs. I've always heard good things about the UNLV baseball program and coaching staff, but meeting them and visiting the campus confirmed those initial feelings and made the decision a simple one. I think they have great baseball philosophy and know what to demand out of their players.
Q: What are your expectations once you join the UNLV team next year? A: To better my skills as a player, to gain more knowledge about the game of baseball, and to help the team to great success.
Q: What's the thing you enjoy most about baseball and why? A: It's like a chess game where anything can happen in any situation and you have to plan your strategy and be prepared make your next moves. Baseball, to me, is life, it's my passion. I love the game and I'll do anything to stay in it. I love each and every part of the game because there are so many different aspects which always keeps it interesting.
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? A: My dad has always been the biggest influence in my life. He is the one who has helped me to get me where I am today. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be the person or player that I am today.
Q: What are some of the things you enjoy doing when you're not playing baseball? A: I like to hang out with friends, go to the movies, play other sports, travel, and spend time with my family.
Q: Are you a superstitious person? If so, what are some things you have to do every day or before a game? A: I am superstitious when I pitch, but when it comes to hitting and fielding I'm not. When I pitch I have to warm up a certain way, listen to certain music on my iPod, and start throwing at a certain time.
Q: What is something that most people don't know about you? A: Something that most people don't know about me is that I am part Asian.
Q: If someone asked a good friend of yours to describe you, what do you think they would say? A: If someone were to ask a good friend of mine about me, my friend would say that I am funny, intelligent, friendly, athletic, and a great friend.
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? A: Yes, I have been active in the community. Some of the events I have volunteered for are the triathlon for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Community Garden Workday, Three Square Food Bank Backpack Program, and a community holiday carnival.
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? A: If my playing days do come to an end, I would like to remain in baseball by coaching at the collegiate level or go into business. My plan is to study business management and sports related business courses.
