March 8, 2010
Getting to know: Brandon Rainford
Brandon Rainford (RHP) ... A two-year letter winner at Stevens High School in Rapid City, S.D. ... Earned all-state honors as a junior ... Tossed a pair of five-inning no-hitters in 2009 ... Currently ranked as the 381st-best prospect by Perfect Game ... Volunteers three days a week a Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy ... The son of Tina and Rocky Rainford.
Q: What made you so interested in UNLV? What was your biggest attraction to the school and the team?
I wanted to play baseball in a warm weather climate. After vacationing in Las Vegas I knew I would enjoy playing there. I attended the UNLV prospect camp in June 2009, and after spending the weekend playing on campus and meeting the coaches I knew for sure that UNLV was my No. 1 choice.
Q: Now that you have signed, what is your goal for your senior season?
I plan to keep lifting and running in order to be in great shape. My goal this season is to help my American Legion team win their first-ever state championship.
Q: What was your first impression of the coaching staff and how did that change, if any, during the recruiting process?
I met the coaching staff in June 2009 at the prospect camp and I was impressed with their professionalism. They were extremely friendly and supportive from the beginning. Every time I talk with the coaches now, I know that I made the right decision to play for UNLV.
Q: What are your expectations once you join the UNLV team next year?
I expect to prove what I am capable of and make a positive contribution to the UNLV team. I am going to work incredibly hard on the field and in the classroom.
Q: What's the thing you enjoy most about baseball and why?
I enjoy taking control of the game on the mound and interacting with my teammates. I love being outside on the field doing what I do best.
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
My parents because they have always pushed me to be the best I can be at whatever I wanted to do. They have always supported me in every aspect of baseball. Being from South Dakota it is difficult at best to get noticed or seen by colleges, so my parents always made sure to put me in front of coaches and scouts by traveling to prospect camps and showcases. Most times this meant flying and staying in hotels, which was a big commitment on their part.
Q: What are some of the things you enjoy doing when you're not playing baseball?
I enjoy being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. I also enjoy being around horses and other wildlife. Riding my ATV is one of my favorite hobbies.
Q: Are you a superstitious person? If so, what are some things you have to do every day or before a game?
Listening to music pumps me up for big games. Sometimes drinking an energy drink helps me to relax and focus on my pitching.
Q: What is something that most people don't know about you?
Many people would be surprised to know that I am a good snowboarder. I placed fourth at the Nationals in Waterville Valley, N. H., when I was seven years old.
Q: If someone asked a good friend of yours to describe you, what do you think they would say?
My good friends would probably say that I am a funny person with a good sense of humor. They would also tell you that I work very hard to accomplish the goals I set for myself.
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 volunteer my time at Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy. There I help mentally and physically challenged people ride horses for therapeutic reasons. I also donate blood on a regular basis. It feels great being able to help people that need it.
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?
I hope that playing at UNLV will help get me to the MLB. Besides baseball, I would like to study either exercise science or criminal justice. I also hope to own a ranch with horse and other livestock.
