Summer Sessions: Q&A With Cam Padgett

Q: Were you able to take any time off after returning from the College World Series?
CP: After we got back, I stayed in Chapel Hill for a few days and worked out at The Bosh to prepare to go play in the Cape. I had a couple of days at home to unpack my clothes, wash them, repack and head out again.

Q: How's your experience been living with your host family?
CP: I'm staying with the same family Mac Horvath and Will Sandy did in 2022, and they've been awesome. They love baseball and doing the host family thing. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like their own. I'm rooming with one of my really good friends, Garrett Michel, who plays at Virginia Tech. I couldn't ask for more.

We went skydiving a couple of weeks ago. It was awesome. You know you're falling, but when you look out over the horizon and everything looks beautiful, you're just smiling. I had a grin on my face the entire ride back. It's a big adrenaline rush. I'll do it again, no doubt.

Q: What is a typical day like for you?
CP: I've been working youth camp the last few weeks, so I'm usually there between 8:30 and 9, and camp goes until 11. Afterward, I'll go to the gym, come back and eat, and then head to the field between 1:30 and 3, depending on whether we're playing at home or away. I'm [at the field] more than I'm not.

Q: What has the competition been like?
CP: These are some of the best guys in college baseball, and you know that going into the game. I'm a competitor, so I know that I have to bring it every time I step on the mound.

Q: What areas of your game have you been working on?
CP: I've been working mostly on my off-speed stuff, being able to throw my slider and change-up right on left and right on right, mix my arsenal, and beat guys with the fastball. I wasn't as efficient with that as I wanted to be this past season, so I've been working on putting guys away and striking more guys out. I'm trying to become a more well-rounded pitcher to put myself in a better position come next spring.

Q: What was it like being able to take the field for the Cape's workout day at Fenway Park?
CP: That was unreal; standing in centerfield and staring at the Green Monster was very cool. I went out there and shagged a few fly balls off it. It was a lot of fun out there.

Q: How would you describe playing at the ballparks across the league and the unique setting?
CP: Everyone here in the Cape is a huge supporter, and it's a big community. They all love baseball. They treat you like you're a big leaguer and want to watch you play and succeed. Essentially, they want to talk to you and get to know you.

Q: How does competing in the Cape bring you back to your roots of playing baseball?
CP: Growing up as a kid who played travel ball in high school and legion ball, you know, it feels like you're that kid again. There are no expectations; you just go out there and compete and enjoy a summer of playing baseball, which is what a lot of us have been doing since we were eight years old.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about playing in the CCBL this summer?
CP: What I've most enjoyed are the friendships and relationships I've made. Coming up here and meeting a bunch of really cool dudes and some of the best players in the country who just love to compete and love to get after it.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about returning to Chapel Hill?
CP: One is seeing all the guys. We're with each other 300 of 365 days a year, so it's a family and a brotherhood. Second, I want to step into a leadership role, help the new guys understand our culture and what it means to play at UNC and do what I can to get us back to Omaha.

Players Mentioned

Mac Horvath

Will Sandy

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