Sean McGrath
Scouting Director, New Jersey

Name: Austin Bodrato
High School: St. Joe’s Montvale
Position: RHP/INF
Commitment: Florida

Austin Bodrato, a 2016 RHP/INF from St. Joe’s Montvale took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down and talk about his commitment to the Florida Gators, and what it takes to be a solid 2-way prospect.

Bodrato is 6-foot-2, 200 pound RHP/INF who is really a “jack of all trades”. If he were an NCAA football prospect, many would give him the “Athlete” label when discussing positions. He has the ability on the mound that make him a pitching prospect; the high 80s/low 90s fastball, the sharp two-plane slider and a solid demeanor. He also has the tools to become an interesting prospect as a position player. He runs a 6.50 in the 60-yard dash. He has great range in both the infield and outfield, and he can make any throw on the diamond. His athleticism and willingness to learn and work tirelessly should make him an excellent ball player with further development.

The 2-way prospect will be attending the Top Prospect Games on July 15^th and is likely to be invited to future PBR events like the PBR Super 60.

PBR: Why did you choose the University of Florida?

Bodrato: I chose the University of Florida because I really liked the Head Coach, Kevin O'Sullivan, and the SEC is the best and most competitive conference in the country.

PBR: What other schools were you considering most?

Bodrato: The other schools that I was looking at were Virginia, Virginia Tech, South Alabama, Notre Dame, New Orleans and St. John’s University.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact in your playing career and why?

Bodrato: My Father had the biggest impact on my playing career because he recognized my talent at a young age and pushed me to work hard and still does because he knew it would be worth it.

PBR: You’ve decided to attend the Prep Baseball Report New Jersey Top Prospect Games with your eyes on being selected for the Super 60 event next February. Most “baseball people” in the state know about your ability to pitch with plus velocity. What are some of the most impressive aspects of your game that people might now know about?

Bodrato: I think some people would be surprised by my ability to run, as well as my versatility on the baseball field. In the summer, I pitch and play all positions in the infield and outfield with the exception of catcher.

PBR: Who is the best pitcher you’ve faced in the state?

Bodrato: The best pitcher I have faced this year is Cullen Dana. He is 6-foot-5 senior LHP committed to Seton Hall.

PBR: Who is the best hitter you’ve faced in the state?

Bodrato: The best hitter I faced this year is Josh Shaw from the same Don Bosco team. He’s committed to St. John’s. Both of these guys happen to be my very close friends.

PBR: Being a high level two-way player, you have to prepare and train twice as much as most players. How do you handle this workload?

Bodrato: I handle it the same way my dad always to me to, hard work and put in a lot of time and effort. I spend the same amount of time hitting and playing all the positions as I do with pitching.

PBR: In the final game of the College World Series; would you rather be on the bottom of the dog pile because you got the walk-off hit or the save?

Bodrato: In the final game of the College World Series I would rather be the guy with the walk-off hit then the save.