TBR Interview- Madison Bumgarner

I snuck up on Madison while he was fishing. Obviously, after I caught up with him, the fish quit biting so I took advantage of it. What a wonderful young man he is. After all that he has accomplished and the attention that he has received, it is a pleasure to know that his priorities are straight and his character is strong. I hope everybody gets a taste of what Madison is like after reading this interview and begin to realize how special he is

Congratulations on your commitment to UNC. How did you arrive at this decision?

Well I really liked North Carolina ever since my first visit. Coach Fox and his staff really impressed me with their commitment to winning, and making sure that the baseball players get their education. After praying about it the decision became very easy.

- What a wonderful season you had last year at South Caldwell, tell us about that experience?

Well getting to the state championship was a great experience, but coming up 1 game short was hard to swallow. I think that our team getting a taste of success will only make us more hungry to win this year.

- With all of the great players/pitchers attending SC, is it the water up there that produces all of that talent?

Maybe, but I think that Coach Parham has the program going in the right direction, and he sure does make us work hard.

- You were selected to the most prestigious event in the country, AFLAC. Tell us your experience with that?

It was a tremendous honor to be selected as one of the top 38 in the country. I think that there are some other people in North Carolina that could have represented the state very well also.

- With all of the attention that you receive, how have you been able to keep yourself humble?

My Dad has always tought me that no matter how good you are, there is always someone out there that is better, and you always have to work as hard as you can to try to catch up with them.

- Who has played the biggest role in your life?

God, because through him we can accomplish anything but without him we are nothing.

- Of the limited free time that you have, what do you like to do when you are off?

I really enjoy working out, and enjoying the outdoors.

- Any hobbies?

Hunting, Fishing, Hanging out with friends.

- What advice do you have to a young player wanting to be the next Madison Bumgarner?

Work hard, then go work harder. Never be satisified with what you have accomplished today. Keep God number 1 in your life always.

- Favorite Food? (Your dad says your favorite food is 'a lot')

I would have to say Terriyaki Steak and Chicken from FUJI'S

- Are there any thoughts that you would like to share with our members of TBR?

I would like to ask each member to pray for me and my family and I would also like to send a special shout out to ROCK N FIRE.

Thank you Madison for taking time out to answer a few questions. I have really enjoyed following you these last few years and I have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know "Madison's dad", Kevin, as well. It was obvious to me, in a short conversation with your dad, why you have been successful in your life and how the "leaf doesn't fall far from the tree". Everybody at TBR is wishing you the best and look forward to following your future where ever it leads you.

oh...and stay off the 4 wheelers or Braves is going to have to have a "sit down" with you Do like I do...when you are hunting, drive a golf cart

 

Neat kid with his head on right. Wish him nothing but the best. Congratulations on your achievements and may you earn many more.

 

I just wanted to say i wish you the best in your upcoming senoir season and beyond. Keep Christ In Your Life And You Won't Go Wrong.

 

WOW! Madison is as impressive off the field as he is on the field. It's always a pleasure to watch him play. I love watching him hit as much as I love watching him pitch. An amazing kid!

 

will MB be a 1st rounder in the next draft?

 

My guess?....absolutely. However, there is a lot that goes into making that decision. Signability is the biggest issue. But based on talent, size and projection....absolutely!

There were a lot of players in NC that did not get drafted based solely on their signability...

 

state tournament

the ball he hit off kanapolis in the al state tournament is the longest ball i've EVER seen hit. by anyone. EVER. in fact we called it a madison. bomb, p-rod, missle, etc just didn't do it justice. it passed the lights on the way up. had it been daylight, i think we'd have seen it fly over that wharehouse outside left field.

 

projections?

what about MB's signability? is it too early to project assuming all things equal at this point?

 

Waaaaaay too early. And quite frankly, Madison is good in the books. So, a UNC education is worth quite a bit, but it is also a good bargaining tool. He has terrific advisors, so I'm sure every opportunity will be explored in depth by all parties.

Having said all that, if Madison's desire is to play pro ball next year, then my opinion is he will be drafted in the 1st round. The best advice he received and acted on was to attend the events that the Pro guys wanted him to attend....and he did terrific at those events.

 

I think that players who committ to Chapel Hill are generally considered to be tough signs and rightly so.
UNC has arguably the best combo of a strong baseball program and strong academics in the country, after this year's trip to Omaha.
That's what we call leverage.
Andrew Miller was a first round talent out of HS and slid to the third round.
Daniel Bard was also 1st round material who dropped all the way to the 20th
round.
Cameron Maybin committs to Southern and goes in the first round.