Q&A With Baseball's Brian Bormaster
Mar 5, 2003 | Baseball
March 5, 2003
NEW ORLEANS, La. - A newcomer to the Tulane Green Wave baseball team in 2002, Brian Bormaster made the successful transition from middle infielder to catcher and went on to be named the Green Wave's best defensive player. Now in his second season at Tulane after spending his freshman year at Rice, Bormaster has big plans for himself and the team in 2003. Below, Bormaster shares his thoughts on topics ranging from favorite class at Tulane to his most embarrassing moment on the diamond.
Why did you choose to transfer to Tulane University?
"I knew I could come into a program that was established. It had good coaches, and it gave me the chance to be on a winning team, while at the same time develop my skills. The combination of athletics and academics opened my eyes at what a great opportunity it would be to come to Tulane."
How hard was it to switch from middle infielder to catcher last season?
"It was a bit of a surprise at the beginning, but it wound up being beneficial to me as well as the team. Coming from the infield, I felt I had the mobility behind the plate, and I knew my arm was strong enough. I just think I was able to find my niche as a college player."
How has being a student-athlete at Tulane changed you?
"I feel it's helped me by giving me more discipline to get my studies done and still perform at a high level on the field. It's given me a good regiment to follow and helps me stay away from the influence of outside distractions."
If you didn't play baseball at Tulane, what sport would you play?
"Golf. I feel it's a nice and relaxing sport that really involves your mind. I've had a passion for it ever since I was little."
What is your personal philosophy?
"I try to live life to the fullest, so I cherish every minute and try to make the most of my opportunities."
What is your favorite food?
"Mexican. It's very fattening, but very tasty."
What is your favorite baseball movie?
"Major League. I'm just a big fan of all the comedy in the movie, and it's really cool how that crazy crew of players gel together into a winning team. That, and I just love the Indians."
What is your most memorable moment as a Tulane student-athlete?
"Playing in the Regional last year at LSU. The crowds were great and it was fun to be there with my teammates in such an important event."
If you could have dinner with any three people in history, who would they be?
"Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Woods and Plato. I'd talk to Alex because I think he's the greatest player in the game right now, maybe learn a few things from him, and more importantly kick back and enjoy time with him. Tiger is absolutely the most dominant athlete in any sport to ever step foot on the planet, so he could teach me about his mental approach to the game. Plato could teach my about the philosophical ways of life and I could get deep in the meaning of life with him."
What is the best advice you've ever been given?
"My dad told me just to go out there and have fun. That's the best advice because if you're not having fun, it's not worth doing."
What cartoon character most resembles you?
"I would have to say the Roadrunner because I'm always thinking ahead and I'm always fast on my feet. Beep Beep!"
What is your favorite book?
"Lance Armstrong's 'My Journey Back to Life' because it showed how he battled through cancer, overcame the obstacle and won the Tour de France. It was gutsy and showed a lot of determination."
If you could recommend a class at Tulane to your fellow students, what would it be?
"Dance history. I've always been a good dancer and I've always been interested in past dance cultures."
Who has been the most inspirational person in your life?
"My mom. She's always there to support me to pick me up when I've fallen, and her love is unconditional."
What are your goals after graduation?
"One day, I hope to be a sports psychologist for all the leading athletes of the world. I feel I've been though some vigorous athletic endeavors and I can help them improve their mental approach to their specific sports."
What is your favorite TV show?
" 'Saved By The Bell.' When I was younger, that was all that I watched. Beside, I had a huge crush on Kelly Copowski".
Who is your favorite actor?
"I would have to say Adam Sandler. My favorite movie of his is Happy Gilmore. What he did on the golf course was absolutely hilarious!!!"
What is the last concert you attended?
"I saw Tim McGraw at the Rodeo when I was a freshman at Rice. He's the best country singer out there."
What are you hobbies?
"I just bought a guitar, and have started learning how to play it. I already know how to play the piano, so I figured this is the next logical step."
What is the most embarrassing thing you've ever done in a game?
"It happened when I was in high school. There was one out, the bases were loaded and I was on first. It was a 0-0 count, and for some reason, I tried to steal second on the pitch. Of course, I got thrown out, and my coach benched me for the next two games. Thank God we won that game."
Do you have any superstitions you do in your game-day preparation?
"Before every game, I go through the same routine of putting my left sock on first, then my right, and the same for my shoes. Then I always drink a Coke to get me hyper."
What are your goals for the 2003 season?
"Obviously, I want to have a 3.50 GPA or better. And for the Wave, we accomplish all of our goals, reach the College World Series and win it with authority."
