Campus Newcomer: Harper College transfer OF/1B Michael Budorick
We continue on with our Iowa Baseball campus newcomer series, with a look at one final transfer that has been yet to talked about this offseason. Harper College transfer OF/1B Michael Budorick announced his transfer to Iowa in late July. Out of Glenview, Illinois, Budorick spent his freshman year at Lackawanna College, before transferring to Harper College for his last two seasons. He hit over .300 each of the last two years and now he gets his shot at the Division I level with the Hawkeyes.
We caught up with the 6-foot-1, 205 pound outfielder/first baseman to discuss his transfer to Iowa and preview his upcoming season with the Hawkeyes.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
BUDORICK: I move in here soon, coming up in a few more days. Definitely excited to get to work.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
BUDORICK: I’m not really sure what number I’ll be wearing yet. Being a JUCO player, facilities, and things like that aren’t a big deal, it’s all about baseball.
Q: What have you been doing this summer to prepare for when you join the team?
BUDORICK: This summer I’ve been working on my swing and getting stronger to make the jump to Big Ten baseball.
Q: How would you evaluate your season last year at Harper College?
BUDORICK: I enjoyed my time at Harper Junior College. It’s definitely an underrated JUCO. We had two DI players and probably should’ve had more. I think we helped build towards winning and for more players to move on to bigger schools from there.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment out of the transfer portal, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
BUDORICK: What stood out about Iowa was Coach Heller and Coach Sutherland and what they’ve done here for awhile and the success they’ve had coaching the team.
Q: Were there any other teams that you considered during your recruitment?
BUDORICK: I spoke with a few other Big Ten teams, but I’m happy to be at Iowa.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
BUDORICK: My relationship with the coaching staff has been good. I’ve talked with Coach Sutherland more and more this summer and obviously Coach Heller earlier on. I’m excited to get to work.
Q: Have you gotten a chance to talk with any of the current players on team? What is your relationship like with them?
BUDORICK: The players I’ve gotten a chance to communicate with are my roommates Ben, Jack and Brennen. They’ve been cool helping me get ready to move in and get ready for the fall and upcoming season.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
BUDORICK: It’s hard to answer that right now, but I’m a good teammate and will do what it takes to win and help the team where I’m needed.
Q: Where does the coaching staff see you fitting in with the team?
BUDORICK: As far as fitting into the team I’m really trying to gain the respect of my teammates and coaches by working hard in practice and improving my skill set.
