Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Last season, Drew Quinones, (Fort Zumwalt South, 2014)  a 6-foot-2 185-pound shortstop, led Fort Zumwalt South with a .424 batting average, 29 runs, eight doubles and six triples.  He was named GAC Central Player of the Year in 2013 and recently committed to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.  PBR had a chance to discuss the recruiting process and his opportunity to play college baseball at nearby Lindenwood University. 

PBR: What were your expectations the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Quinones: I expected to find a college that would suit me well while also giving me a chance to receive a good education. I did find that and it wasn’t that difficult at all.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Quinones: Location from home didn’t play a factor at all. Playing baseball would allow me to spend almost all of my time on campus and not have to worry about going home.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Quinones: I attended a showcase early my junior year and they seemed to be impressed. The assistant coach at Lindenwood attended my current high school which gave us something to always talk about.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Quinones: Shane Benes. He is a hard working player with a humble attitude. The kid will go far with his work ethic.

PBR: What has been the lowest point in your baseball career; what have you learned from it and how has it helped you grow as a player?

Quinones: My lowest point was probably committing 4 errors in a big conference game. I learned that stuff like that happens and you just have to move on a make the next play.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Quinones: Playing for Elite teams all my life gave me the will to pursue my dream and carry on my baseball career.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Quinones: A well rounded program that could help me develop and get me to the next level.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Quinones: My best attribute is being a true leader. I show by example and I try to pick up my teammates when things aren’t going well. I’m very coachable and will accept anything that could possibly make me better.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

Quinones: My acceptance of failure needs to be my biggest improvement. I expect a lot out of my self so when failure presents itself, it’s hard to take in. As I mature, it gets better.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Quinones: Don’t stop living your dream. Keep fighting and only quit when you stop having fun.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Quinones: I participate in other sports like hockey and basketball. Playing hockey and basketball I use muscles that I don’t usually use in baseball, which helps me become a better athlete.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Quinones: Winning conference player of the year my junior year and taking a team to a district championship my sophomore year.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Quinones: The amount of building and construction they have showed. Proving to be a honorable Division 2 school and giving every day athletes like me the chance to prosper.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Quinones: Naval Academy, Jefferson College, SLU, Drury, SEMO, Newman

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Quinones: Summer going into senior year. I ended a World Series tournament going 5-8 with a homerun and 3 doubles. Playing well in the field and contributing a lot of leadership was my climax.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Quinones: I expect nothing but seeing TR Hughes (site of Missouri State Championship) in the end of the year. We have great depth on the mound and experience at the plate. I see 7 of the 9 starters on the field being seniors and I think we have the right mindset to go far.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Quinones: Rawlings Prospects. Most memorable moment was getting the chance of being coached by Andy Benes. He is a truly inspiring man with great drive. I believe he got me to where I need to be today.

For More Missouri News

Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Reid Kesel (Fatima, 2014)11.04.13

Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Zack Lazenby (Parkway Central)11.01.13