Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Preseason All-State Participant: Matt Burkart





By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director

Prep Baseball Report Colorado is getting ready for the start of the high school spring baseball season with the Preseason All State event on February 22nd at Slammers South.  Over the course of the next two weeks we will showcase several of the participants at this year's event.  Beginning our look is Matt Burkart, No. 7 ranked 2016, 6-foot-1, 195 pound, RHP/SS from Eaton High School.

PBR: 
Describe yourself as a baseball player to those who have never seen you play:

Burkart:  I definitely hope I am exciting to watch and compete against. I think I can bring a lot to the game by either being in the field or being on the mound, as well as in the batters box. The thing that I really strive to be however is a true competitor.  I think I play with a little fire and a little edge while always keeping a calm and collective approach to the things I do. I love big moments and I love being the guy on the field with the game on the line.

PBR:  What would be your dream school to play baseball at?  If you have already committed to play at the next level, why did you choose that particular school?

Burkart:  Obviously there are so many great colleges out there whether it would be Juco, DI or DII, so that's a really tough question. Growing up I always wanted to be a college and professional baseball player, but have never really had my heart set on being at one particular college. With so many great ones, it makes the recruiting process very fun and exciting. I am not sure where I want to go or will end up.

PBR:  What are your best assets on and off the field at this point in your high school career?

Burkart:  Being under the Danley's, I think the coaching and situational preparation I receive is second to none.  Their success has been very incredible, and learning from them has been a treat. The mental edge I have helps me succeed. I am a firm believer that preparation and Baseball IQ is part of the recipe for success. With that said, the preparation carries off the field as well. And I think I do a good job with that. I have a great deal of respect for every one of my opponents, but never fear them and never feel inferior.

PBR:  What does your off-season preparation look like this year compared to you freshman year?

Burkart:  It is similar in many ways. There is only one way to get your arm in shape properly and that is to ease into it by playing catch every day or two. When it comes to hitting, I get in the cage as much as I can to work with coaches and teammates. Physically I try and get into shape and get to the weight room to strengthen myself to be stronger and faster. 

PBR:  What is the best baseball advice you have received and try to follow to this point in your career?

Burkart:  My Step-Dad gave me some of the most important advice when I find myself in a big moment and I constantly refer to it. He was an Olympic skier and ski coach, and over the course of his time competing he told me that the only one who can apply pressure is yourself. It helps me relax and realize that the game doesn't change, and that the confidence I hold within myself shouldn't change.

PBR:  What are your superstitions or routines that go on during a season?

Burkart:  I don't really have one other than spending time with my teammates and just cracking jokes to keep the moods light. We always have a good clubhouse, and being around them is part of the reason I love baseball so much.

PBR:  What are your goals for:

This Season:  My goals this season is to bring back another State Championship to Eaton. The past two years I have been close and lost in the last game of the year. This year I would like to change that, and finish what our team has started.

Two Years: I want to be committed and on my way to college with two State Championships. The road will not be easy by any means, but that's what makes it so exciting.  

Four Years: Be comfortably enrolled in college, and succeeding in helping my team win games to move towards a championship. Have good grades and have my life plan figured out, hopefully involving baseball.


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