10 questions with Eddie Lantigua

by Dan Wachowski
June 24, 2002 - Northern League (NL)

Every summer, fans of Northern League baseball see players come and go. Some move to other independent leagues, others get into major league farm systems, and some just go back to the farm. But a few seem to hang around year after year, moving from team to team. And if you go to enough games you get a chance to know those players and sort of develop a friendship. We know Harry, who set records in Schaumburg, but now is playing in Winnipeg, and Derek, who was in Winnipeg at the end of 2001, but is now playing in Schaumburg this season. We all have our favorites. Players who give everything on the field and still have time for the fans after the game is over.

Eddie Lantigua, who has played with five different Northern League teams, is one of those players. During Quebec's last home stand, Dan Wachowski spent about 10 minutes asking Eddie about 10 questions.

How are things going in Quebec? (Eddie was signed on May 22, just days before the start of the season.)

Eddie: Everything is going fine. I'm not playing everyday, but definitely I want to be playing everyday. I'm hitting about .375.

What did you do this off-season?

Eddie: To be honest, this off-season, I did not want to work. I wanted to prepare myself. This year, it was the year for me to make the team. The team (Quebec) has five veterans (in spring training). I have to make the most of my chance and fight my way in. (Northern League roster rules limit the number of veteran status players to four.) I trained very hard during the off-season just to get the chance to make the team.

How have you improved yourself over last year? (Eddie batted .248 in 86 games for the Duluth-Superior Dukes, who only won 34 games last year.)

Eddie: This year I am bigger. I've gained a few pounds. I'm more in shape than the last two years. Had surgery on my elbow. This year I'm stronger and feeling better.

How was it playing on the 2001 Dukes team?

Eddie: It was tough. I played injured. Other players were hurt. We struggled and tried our best. The fans came out but not like when you win. You have to win day in day out. The stadium (Wade) can be a tough place to play. Especially when you see all the new ball parks around the league.

Where did you get your professional start in baseball?

Eddie: Started out with the Dodgers ('92), then independent, then Chicago, and now back with independent league.

You first started playing in the Northern League with Sioux Falls in '95. How is the Northern League different from the Major League farm teams?

Eddie: Concentration... Let me tell you the minor leagues are about making it to the big league. Play hard and be the best you can. When you come to the Northern League you have a job to do. If you don't do your job, you lose your place. It's about winning. You keep working hard because you never know who's watching you. You might get another chance.

And being a veteran in the Northern League?

Eddie: The pressure of being a veteran in the Northern League is even greater. There are plenty of good players not playing because of the roster rules. There is no room. You can only carry four veterans on a Northern League roster. You have to have a very good year every year.

What are your most memorable experiences in baseball?

Eddie: Playing for the Dodgers in '92. Then coming back from elbow surgery and hitting .339 for Waterbury in '98. Winning the division as a member of the Duluth-Superior Dukes in 2000.

Eddie, as a member of the Dukes you hit two solo home runs in a game that the Dukes won 2-0. That had to be a little exciting.

Eddie: It was very exciting. A game I will never forget.

You're in your late twenties. How much longer do you plan on playing?

Eddie: I love this game so much. Even when I was having bad times and injuries, I just wanted to keep playing and fight to get back. It's a beautiful game you know. There are a lot of guys like me who want to keep playing. They could make a lot of money at a regular job, but you just can't walk away.

Do you ever think about life after playing baseball?

Eddie: I have thought about it. I would like to coach. I think I could be a good coach. I learned a lot and I wish I could teach someone how baseball is.

The Northern League has had players move into coaching and managerial positions. If given the opportunity, would you be interested in coaching in the Northern League?

Eddie: Wherever an opening comes up. I would like to be a good coach. It would be great to teach guys how to play baseball.

It doesn't appear that Eddie is going to be coaching anytime soon. Playing designated hitter for Les Capitales, he has a .360 average in 50 at bats with a .441 on base percentage. Maybe he could be a player-coach like Nolan Lane, who was a Northern League All-Star in '97 with Sioux City, but is now in Gary.

Northern League Stories from June 24, 2002

• 10 questions with Eddie Lantigua - OSC Original by Dan Wachowski
• Flyers Jam JackHammers 9-7 - Joliet JackHammers
• JackHammers Wheel and Deal - Joliet JackHammers

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.