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Q & A with Kansas State commit Cade Bunnell

June 26, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

Cade Bunnell (Stoughton, 2015) recently added his name to the list of 2015 prospects makingCade Bunnell Division 1 commitments. Bunnell is a left handed hitting middle infielder who takes some of the more competitive at bats around. Bunnell competed in the Midwest Future Games last August and showed well, but questions of foot speed and size were an issue. Fast forward eight months and Bunnell has packed on the muscle and improved his foot speed, getting interest from Division 1 programs all over the Midwest.

Bunnell had several suitors this spring but in the end chose Kansas State to continue his academic an athletic endeavors.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Bunnell: I really didn’t know what to expect. At times, the recruiting process got pretty overwhelming, but I felt fortunate to be in the position I was in. I got a lot of advice and guidance from my parents and Greg Reinhard. The process was pretty stressful at times, making multiple phone calls a day, but well worth it in the end.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Bunnell: The PBR Madison Preseason I.D. last march really sped things up recruiting wise. I performed well at the event and schools took notice.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Bunnell: Distance was not a factor for me in my decision. For the opportunity to play at Kansas State and in the Big 12 conference I was willing to travel however far. Manhattan is only nine hours away so my friends and family will still be able to see me play.

PBR: Where did Kansas State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Bunnell: I had my first conversation with Coach Clement in early May. Shorty after, Coach Hill came to watch me play at a high school game. Two weeks later, I was in Manhattan for a campus visit. During the visit, the coaches, facilities, and campus made my decision very easy to become a Wildcat.  

PBR: What do you like most about Kansas State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Bunnell: Kansas State has everything that I want to continue my baseball career: great coaching staff, facilities, campus, academics, and support. Playing there gives me the opportunity to play with and against the best players in the country and the potential to get drafted. On top of that, it felt like home.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Bunnell: Xavier, Ball State, UIC, Minnesota, Iowa, Valparaiso, Oakland.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a high level player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Bunnell: After playing in the PBR Midwest Future Games. The talent at these games was tremendous and I realized that I could compete with the best players in the Midwest.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

Bunnell: Speed. To play at the next level, I want to be quicker and faster. I want to have more range defensively and be a threat on the base paths. I plan to continue lifting and working on speed and agility with Coach Zalnis at GRB Academy.  

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Bunnell: During the offseason, I spend a lot of time in the weight room and at GRB focusing on building strength and speed. In addition, I am always at the facility taking swings in the cage and ground balls on the turf. I am fortunate to have Rays practices once or twice a week in the offseason as well.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Bunnell: Without a doubt, the day I committed to Kansas State.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Bunnell: I play for the GRB Rays. My most memorable experience has been the entire time I have been in the organization. Meeting Greg Reinhard and the rest of the GRB staff back in 2009 has really helped me grow as a baseball player, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. The experience of playing in some of the most elite tournaments in the nation and being coached by some of the best teachers of the game has been priceless.  

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