Lantigua's Passion Powers Quebec
by Melissa Chodan
Published on June 10, 2005 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Quebec Les Capitales
The Quebec Capitales have been the hottest team in the Canadian American League so far this season. The team currently boasts a record of 12-2 and holds a three-game lead in the North Division.
A large part of their success can be attributed to the offensive assault the Capitales have inflicted on their rivals. Armed with power, knowledge of the strike zone and the ability to consistently reach base, the Capitales line-up is one to be feared.
But arguably the greatest threat at the plate is their veteran infielder Eduardo "Eddie" Lantigua.
In 14 games Lantigua, 32, is batting .377, with eight home runs, 28 RBI and has a slugging percentage of .852.
He currently leads the league in home runs, RBI, extra-base hits (12) and runs scored (17). Lantigua is also ranked third in hits with 23 and fifth in batting average.
Lantigua, who resides in Quebec, attributes much of his success to playing so close to home. He said that after the game he can go home to be with his wife, daughter and two sons. He also says that he loves that his family routinely comes to the ballpark to watch him play.
"It's the best gift I can get," Lantigua said.
He added: "I have no worries. I can just go out there and play. Everyone's very supportive, my wife's very supportive. I'm a happy man. I have no worries. Since I've been in baseball, I've never been happier in every aspect."
Playing with a clear mental state, Lantigua has seemingly reached the prime of his career with the Capitales. His power numbers have consistently improved over the past few seasons as the born line-drive hitter has focused on homeruns and RBIs.
"The more home runs and RBI, the better job you get," Lantigua said. "I always hit line drives, now I hit for power."
The changes Lantigua made to his swing have been felt around the team and around the league as his presence at the plate becomes more intimidating each season.
With Quebec in 2003, he hit nine home runs and drove in 58 runs. The next season he returned and doubled his home run total to 18 with 74 RBIs.
But as with most players in the independent leagues around the country, Lantigua's journey through baseball has not been an easy one.
He was born in the Dominican Republic and was taught to play baseball by his father when he was five. Lantigua said that his father was a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and he dedicated his life to baseball.
His father's devotion to baseball was passed down to him and Lantigua's talent eventually landed him with the Dodgers. He says he also spent time in the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs organizations reaching as high as double-A ball, as well as playing for a handful of independent teams
During those years Lantigua had to deal with being released and battling injuries.
In 1996, Lantigua said he had his first surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow but the pain returned and he had Tommy John surgery about a year later.
Lantigua said the doctors told him that there was a 50 percent chance that he would not be able to return to baseball.
"I guess they were wrong," Lantigua said. "If I would have listened to them I would have never played, but I listened to my heart."
His determination helped him return to the game and have the productive career he always wanted.
"You can put a rich man in front of me and he can say he's rich because he has a lot of money," he said. "I can say to him that I'm rich because I made my dream come true."
Lantigua said he hopes his journey serves as a lesson for other players trying to make it in baseball.
"I got released many times," Lantigua said. "Any ballplayer who gets released, don't give up. If someone doesn't like you or (a team) didn't work out, there's always a chance. ...Don't let anyone push you down."
Canadian American League Stories from June 10, 2005
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- Lantigua's Passion Powers Quebec - OSC Original by Melissa Chodan
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.
