Thanks for taking the time with us. Please tell us a little about yourself.
Well I am from a small town (its growing) called Oakdale and it is the cowboy capital of the world. I was home schooled till I was in 6th grade. I hated sports until I was 8 years old.
Why did you choose UCLA?
Well I wanted to stay in California but I also wanted to be far enough away from home so La seemed like the perfect spot. Also, I am obsessed with the beach. Narrowing it down to Southern California, Coach Savage is a guy who knows how to recruit and is very professional. I remember right when I walked on campus I would end up attending UCLA. Everything about it seemed right and I remember thinking to myself why is this not a National Championship program because Coach Savage seemed to be an outstanding coach. It was the rebuilding face for them and I was right.
UCLA has a storied baseball program, but, this is their first NCAA baseball championship. What was the run through the regionals, supers, and finally the CWS like? Some same it was a historic run.
I agree that it was historic but some think it’s even more historic with the players we did it with. I disagree when people say that because this team had a fight and such a mentality that we knew we were going to win. Baseball is a game of failure and this team knew how to compensate and adjust. We played the game right and people can hate us for not sitting back and banging but we respected the game and played it the right way. We are a bunch of scrappy ball players and we DO have a lot of talent.
You were drafted in the 6th round by the Giants. Are we going to see you in a Giants uniform soon? And how tough of a decision is it for you to decide on whether to go pro or stay at UCLA?
It’s a tough decision because I love UCLA and everything about it. My lifelong dream has been to play and have a career in the big leagues so by signing this would be me getting closer to that goal.
Who were your influences growing up?
My work ethic has been influenced by my parents and my brother. Ever since I have grown up they have taught me how to work for what I want and that hard work beats talent. Also my faith has a lot to do with who I am.
Do you have a favorite place that you have played at and why?
I would have to say T.D. Ameritrade. Anywhere when we are the under dogs and everyone is against us. I love being the underdog. That’s when you really see who the tougher team is.
Do you have a favorite team or players that you follow?
My favorite team is the SF Giants. Player would have to be Josh Hamilton and Ryan Volgesong.
Is there a routine that you follow on game days and do you have any superstitions?
I do have routines on all different days of the week. I am a baseball player. What kind of baseball player would I be if I did not have any superstitions? Some are more weird then others.
What is playing for John Savage like?
It’s not easy because of how much he expects out of you but that’s the way I would want it. He is very knowledgeable and I have gotten so much better since I have come to Westwood. He works extremely hard and is very professional. You will come out very mature as a man when you leave his program. He teaches you what it means to be a UCLA Bruin.
Final question, please give us your top five songs of all time.
I could honestly give you so many songs because I have an obsession with country music but I’ll try to do this for you.
A little More country than that-Easton Corbin
Barefoot Blue Jean Night-Jake Owen
Hey Pretty Girl-Kip Moore
God’s Gonna Cut you Down- Johnny Cash (my walkout)
Springsteen-Eric Church
Nick, once again thanks for taking the time to chat with 9 Inning Know it All. Congratulations on winning the CWS.
GO BRUINS!!!