PBR Indiana recently saw Gardner at the Unsigned Senior Showcase at Indiana Wesleyan on Monday, January 20th, as well as a couple of other events during the past year.  Gardner is a 5-foot-11 inch, 180 pound SS/3B from Terre Haute North High School.  At Monday's event he showcased quick hands, both in the field and at the plate. He shows good range, the ability to pick it, and a solid arm across the diamond (81 mph). Using a compact swing and an aggressive lower half, he displayed power to both sides of the field.  

At the event we were able to sit down with Gardner and ask him some questions regarding his current recruiting situation and the upcoming season.

PBR: As you enter your senior year of HS, where are you currently in the recruiting process?

Gardner: I have been contacted by various D1, D2, D3, Juco, and NAIA schools. I have had many conversations, but no offers.

PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?

Gardner: Of course I am interested in playing D1. I have been in contact with Indiana State, Western Kentucky, and Butler. I want a disciplined baseball environment and feel I would get that at D1 and solid D2.

PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?

Gardner: Speed, I have been told this over and over. However, I have never had that impact with any of the teams I have played with, and it hasn't hurt them in any way, so it really hasn't been a huge problem. I continue to work toward improving my speed as I know it can only benefit me at the next level.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer, how do you feel playing for them helped you?

Gardner: Indiana Bulls, this program is known nationally, so I have been involved in tournaments putting me against the best. They have high expectations for their players which motivates me to be at my best.

PBR: What preparation are you doing now for the upcoming high school season?

Gardner: My team works out 3 mornings a week and has since October. In addition, I lift on my own 4 times a week as well as hitting and ground ball work at an indoor facility.

PBR: What are your goals for the upcoming 2012 season?

Gardner: I expect to lead my team in hitting and fielding. I have a huge desire to be all MIC again and ultimately be invited to participate in the North/South All-Star game.

PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2011 baseball season (High School or Summer)?

Gardner: In high school sectionals, I hit a homerun to bring our team within one run of tieing the game.  With the Bulls, I had all 3 RBI’s in a victory at a national tournament in Atlanta.

PBR: What were your stats for your 2011 HS season? Summer Season?

Gardner: .417 conference, .380 overall, .386 with Bulls

PBR: What is your GPA? If you have taken it, what did you get on the ACT/SAT?

Gardner: GPA: 3.86 out of 4.0, 16 out of 404 in my class, ACT: 28/SAT:1430