Feb. 16, 2012

Nine Innings with Bo Cuthbertson

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

Phil@collegebaseballinsider.com @RoadToOmaha

His name and school probably caught some people by surprise when looking over All-America lists last season, but Southern Utah senior shortstop Bo Cuthbertson had the numbers to back up the honor. The Summit League Player of the Year batted .432 with 30 doubles, seven triples, five homers, 51 runs and 47 RBI. He hit even better in league play at .489. Cuthbertson had 25 multi-hit games and led the Thunderbirds with 15 steals. The 5’9 native of Glendale, Ariz., batted .393 in 2009 and was named a Freshman All-American. Cuthbertson hit .344 as a sophomore and set a program record with 21 doubles.

Cuthbertson and his teammates will be playing the final season of baseball at SUU, as the school will discontinue the program after the 2012 season.

Cuthbertson recently took time to answer our questions.

First Inning – What has the mood of the team been since the announcement of the discontinuation of the program at Southern Utah?

It has been a whole different attitude. We already came into this year with a will to win and work harder. But since the announcement it has only doubled our efforts. We are saddened but ready to go out with a bang.

Second Inning – As a senior, how do you keep the younger players focused on practice and game preparation?

This is something I had to learn as well. I think what you have to remember is how important concentration is in baseball. Concentration is key and practice time is when we prepare ourselves to have our peak concentration. I think as we focus on that in practice we are able to focus more on tasks and work hard.

Third Inning – What made the transition so smooth for you from high school to college baseball?

Confidence was number one. I was confident coming in that I could play at this level. I also had great high school coaches and played summer ball on scouts teams that helped me be prepared.

Fourth Inning – You hit .432 a season ago. Do you think it’s possible for you to hit higher than that this season?

I think batting average is kind of an enemy I have had to fight. The more I think about it the lower it becomes. My goal is to take it one at-bat at a time and have as many quality at-bats as I can for my team. As I do this, I am confident success will come to me and my team, whether that’s in batting average not.

Fifth Inning – What did it mean to you to be named Summit League Player of the Year and an All-American last year?

This is something that was incredible for me. I remember being younger and reading lists of All-Americans in the paper and thinking how awesome that was. It was a dream of mine to one day be on one of those lists. It was a great feeling to find out.

Sixth Inning – Were you surprised that you did not get drafted a year ago?

I didn’t really know what to expect going into the draft having heard a lot of different things from scouts. I was disappointed but immediately decided I obviously need to work harder and that’s what I have done and I feel prepared.

Seventh Inning – Would you like an opportunity to play professional baseball after this season?

I would definitely love the opportunity. It has been my dream and I feel as though I would be the type to excel at that level as I know I will put in the work required to perform.

Eighth Inning – What should we expect from the Thunderbirds in 2012?

Expect a team that is going to come out and play hard. We are dedicated to the cause of leaving everything on the field. We all believe this will breed the success we are after.

Ninth Inning – SUU has a four-game series at Hawaii Pacific in early March. Have you ever been to Hawaii?

I have never been to Hawaii and am really excited. We have a week there so the first three days will be focused on our series and then we have a few days to ourselves. It should be a good time.

(photos courtesy of SUU Media Relations)