Lincoln-Way West senior shortstop Quinten Lange has built his high school career around a year-round commitment to baseball, developing into one of the Warriors’ experienced infield leaders entering the season.
Lange has trained consistently since his early teens, lifting weights three to four times per week since age 14 while competing in summer and fall travel leagues in addition to the high school schedule.
“Honestly, just for the love of the game,” Lange said. “Being committed to baseball means a lot more. It’s a lot more fun to me.”
A Chicago White Sox fan who admires Mike Trout, Lange models his style after fundamentally sound infielders, focusing on defense while contributing at the plate. He previously played second base before moving to shortstop this season, a position that demands strong communication and consistency.
Lange believes Lincoln-Way West has the talent to contend for major goals this year, including a conference championship and a deep postseason run.
“I think for sure we can win conference this year, hopefully make a deep playoff run in the state,” he said. “We’ve got the guys to do it.”
He identified Homewood-Flossmoor as one of the toughest conference opponents, noting their pitching depth as a key challenge.
Individually, Lange hopes to earn all-conference recognition while continuing to elevate his game after progressing from the freshman team to varsity, where he noticed a significant jump in speed and mental intensity.
“It was a lot quicker,” he said. “Pitchers are throwing harder, and you have to focus every pitch. It’s more mental at the higher levels.”
