Over the years, Austin Buffkin has been called in from the bullpen during some pretty stressful situations. Brought up to Varsity in his sophomore year, Buffkin was a part of the Mules’ magical State run, and he used that experience to become a leader in the years that followed.
Before a big district game against Dripping Springs, Buffkin sat down with me for his senior spotlight to talk about his baseball career at Alamo Heights, when he started honing in on pitching as well as who he wishes he could pitch like.
When did you start playing baseball?
Pretty much since I can remember. I actually didn’t do tee ball. I started in machine pitch, and I’ve been playing ever since then. It was a long time ago, but some of my earliest memories are machine pitch at the little league.
When did you make Varsity?
I made Varsity at the end of sophomore year for the playoffs. It was pretty awesome. That was the big year.
From early on in high school you were a PO (pitcher only). How did that come about?
Yeah, I’ve been a PO since sophomore year. Coach just said I wasn’t very fast, so I became a PO. I’ve always loved pitching, so it wasn’t a problem.
Did you ever think growing up playing baseball that you would only pitch and not hit?
Not really, because I used to be really good at hitting, so that really never went through my mind, but I just really love pitching.
Do you ever miss hitting?
I miss taking some daddy hacks for sure. I mean it’s hard sometimes when you’re not pitching and you just watch the whole game, but it’s not bad.
As a relief pitcher, what would you say is different about coming into a game from when you start a game?
You just never know when you’re gonna go in, so you just have to be ready. Sometimes you have to get ready really quickly, so it’s a lot of variation. You never really have a plan.
Is your mindset different when you know you’re starting?
Definitely. When I start, that morning, I’m like, ‘Okay, it’s a start.’ You just start a lot earlier and get in that mindset. I think even when you know you might be going in for relief, you still have to be in a good mindset but just stay looser. If you stay super tight, it takes something out of you, so you just have to be loose and ready to go.
What’s the most stressful situation you’ve ever been put into?
Last year, I can’t think of a specific one, but there were definitely some bases loaded events, which are not the most fun, but then again, they are the most fun if you get out of it.
What has been your favorite memory with Alamo Heights baseball?
Overall, obviously 2016 State. That was just such an amazing thing. I’m going to remember that for the rest of my life. It was so cool. I remember just every game and on the way up not necessarily expecting it to happen, and then there was that moment that everything clicked, and everyone was like, ‘This is happening.’ Also, it was just really cool seeing Forrest Whitley getting drafted while he’s pitching. That’s kind of not normal for a high school guy. It was just all so great.
What is your next step after high school?
I won’t be playing anymore, but I’ll definitely miss it. I’ll be going to Austin Community College and then working into the University of Texas.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Not really, but I think it’s just about the mentality. I don’t do anything like wearing different socks or something like that. Nothing out of the ordinary.
What’s your go to song before a game?
I really don’t listen to music before games that often, but if I do, it’s definitely some Kid Cudi. I’ll listen to any song of his.
Who is your favorite sports team?
The Spurs. In college, it’s UT football for sure. In MLB, the Astros for sure. It’s pretty bandwagon, but being from Texas, you have to represent.
If you could have the skills of any professional athlete, who would it be?
Honestly, I’ll probably take Aroldis Chapman. I mean throwing 105 mph is just ridiculous. Sometimes I’ll just watch videos of him, like the one he threw against Andrew McCutchen. The ball was inside, but 105 mph inside and everyone was just amazed. I just think that’s awesome.
If you were stranded on an island with one person, who would you choose and why?
Theodore Roosevelt. I think he was a cool guy He’s like a country dude, went through a couple of wars, and I think he’s a pretty knowledgeable guy. I think he’d probably help me get out. He just seems like a pretty cool guy.
If you need a laugh in the dugout or at practice, who do you go to?
Probably just Hunter Campbell. He’s such a relaxed dude, but he’ll make you laugh just out of nowhere. I definitely hang out around him and just expect to laugh at some point.
If you had to tell the world one thing about yourself, what would you say?
I’ve been here and always worked hard. It’s a process, and I’m part of that process. I don’t want to be remembered like, ‘Austin Buffkin, Alamo Heights superstar.’ I’m just a normal dude.