Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Cody Gardner
January 1, 2011
Cody Gardner is a 5'11 MIF from Terre Haute North High School. Gardner is one of the top remaining unsigned prospects in the class of 2012. Gardner has quick hands, both in the field and at the plate. He shows good range and a solid arm across the diamond (81 mph). Using a compact swing and an aggressive lower half, he has power to both sides of the field. Here is our conversation with him...
PBR: As you enter your senior year of HS, where are you currently in the recruiting process?
Cody: I have talked extensively to a few colleges and have great interest in a few of those calling me. It’s an intense time because I want to make the right decision for me, so I have a lot to think about heading into my senior year.
PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?
Cody: I have a great interest in the Sun Belt Conference and the Missouri Valley Conference. I have worked hard my whole career to help the team that I am playing for to be successful whether it be high school or my summer team, the Indiana Bulls. I believe I can also do this at the Division 1 level and these two conferences provide the type of competition that I am looking for. If I can’t find a home at the D1 schools that I am looking at in these conference, then I have also been in contact with a few Junior Colleges.
PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?
Cody: My speed needs improvement. I have been working on this each year and have improved my time but every school I’ve talked to tells me my speed needs improvement. However, I do believe that this one aspect of the game would not hold me back from being a competitor. It has yet to hold me back or make me less of a competitor as I’ve always hit in the heart of the order and produced runs for my teams.
PBR: You played for the Indiana Bulls this summer, how do you feel playing for them helped you?
Cody: Playing for the Indiana Bulls exposes you to great competition throughout the state and country. I have had the opportunity to play at many colleges with amazing facilities. I have also had great coaches who are willing to help throughout my college search. The Bulls have put me where I need to be to be seen. They have had expectations for me as a player and I knew I needed to perform, but that’s why I like playing for them. Competition makes you better and the Bulls put you against the best around.
PBR: What preparation are you doing now for the upcoming high school season?
Cody: Our high school team does morning workouts beginning at 6:30 A.M. three days a week. We work on running and lifting. I also work on my own lifting weights two days a week after school. I have also been able to hit in a local indoor baseball facility during the winter months these past few years and am hoping to do the same this off-season.
PBR: What are your goals for the upcoming 2012 season?
Cody: My main goal is to interest a team in the Sun Belt Conference or Missouri Valley Conference because I’ve had a successful spring season. I really think that I can compete at that level. I’m also hoping to hit well with the new BB Core bats and I’m actually looking forward to this season with the new bats. I’ve used them quite a bit and feel that I will hit well with them which I know is a concern of many high school players this upcoming season.
PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2011 baseball season (High School or Summer)?
Cody: Three of my fondest memories come from high school. I hit back to back homeruns in a game against Indianapolis North Central, I hit a three-run homerun in the sectional at Plainfield to bring us within one run of T.H. South, and I made all MIC as a junior. With the Bulls we won a game in Atlanta in the Perfect Game 17U tournament 3-0. All three runs were my RBI’s with a two run homerun and a double to score the other run.
PBR: What were your stats for your 2011 HS season? Summer Season?
Cody: In high school I hit .378 overall and .431 in the MIC. In the summer I was second on my team with a .368 BA.
PBR: What is your GPA? If you have taken it, what did you get on the ACT/SAT?
Cody: My current GPA is 3.83. I am ranked 17th out of 417 in my class. My SAT score is 1430 and I plan on taking the ACT on Dec. 10th.