By Hilary May; Special to ESPNRISE.com

Sam Wilson is a pitcher / outfielder out of El Dorado (Albuquerque, N.M.) High School. He recently made the cut and is on his way to Long Beach on the 2009 Cincinnati Reds Area Code Team.

ESPNRISE.com: If you could pick another sport to play, which would it be and why?

Sam Wilson: If I could play any other sport it would be Lacrosse because I have never gotten the opportunity to play it and it seems like a very competitive, fun game to play.

ESPNRISE.com: What do your pre-game rituals consist of?

Sam Wilson: I have always tried to do very similar routines before games because I am a little superstitious about things. I always try to eat something before the game and warm up the same way.

ESPNRISE.com: If you could face one hitter/pitcher of any era, who would it be and why?

Sam Wilson: I would love to pitch against Babe Ruth because he is a legend in the game of baseball and it would be a great experience.

ESPNRISE.com: Why do you play the game of baseball?

Sam Wilson: I play the game of baseball because it is very competitive and every play makes a difference in the outcome of the game. Players need to always be aware of what is going on and the situations so when the challenge shows up, we know what to do with the ball. I love the focus that it takes to play.

ESPNRISE.com: Who are the key influences to your success in the game of baseball?

Sam Wilson: The key influences for me are my parents because they have always been very supportive of me in everything I choose to do. Another major influence in my baseball life is Ryan Brewer. He has been my pitching coach since I was very young and he has also given me the opportunity to play on his very competitive club baseball team. He has opened many doors for me and has taught me almost everything about the game.

ESPNRISE.com: Where do you see yourself in baseball in the future and what are you doing now to get there?

Sam Wilson: I have given a verbal commitment to UNM, so my plan is to attend school there and play baseball at the Division 1 level. Every day I try to do something to get better. I try to go down to the Albuquerque Baseball Academy every day to hit in the cages and get lessons. I keep reminding myself to give it my all every time I step on the field.

ESPNRISE.com: What are your plans for the summer?

Sam Wilson: This summer I am out of town multiple times for baseball. I play for the ABA and for my High School American Legion team so my schedule is filled with many games.

ESPNRISE.com: If you could hang out with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Sam Wilson: Nolan Ryan, because he has been a baseball player that I have looked up to my whole life. I love watching old videos of him pitching. He is a very strong competitor and it would be nice to talk to him and maybe get some tips.

ESPNRISE.com: What do you do when you are not playing baseball?

Sam Wilson: When I am not playing baseball, I like to go golfing, swim, hang out with my friends and family, and eat a lot.

ESPNRISE.com: Who is your favorite music artist?

Sam Wilson: I listen to all kinds of music so i have a favorite for every genre, but my absolute favorite would have to be....Taylor Swift.

ESPNRISE.com: If you had a free round trip ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Sam Wilson: New York, so I could see the Yankees play. I have never been able to go, so someday I hope my dad and I could take a trip out there to see my favorite MLB team play.

ESPNRISE.com: Write something interesting about yourself that most people don't know.

Sam Wilson: Most people know pretty much everything about me because I am pretty open. One thing, that isn't very interesting, is that I have read Josh Hamilton's book, Beyond Belief, five times. When I am very bored I like to just sit back in a chair and read. I can't really read anything that doesn't have to do with something I am interested in, so I just kept re-reading his book.