Prairie’s Shraden Lechtenberg understands qualities of a good baseball team and player

CEDAR RAPIDS — Leather gloves, wooden bats and a love for the game have defined Shraden Lechtenberg’s life.

“I grew up in a tight-knit baseball family and I was constantly involved in baseball growing up,” Lechtenberg said. “My dad played growing up and in college, so having baseball at a young age has brought me to love it and is why I still play it today.”

Lechtenberg continues to play for Cedar Rapids Prairie as the team's junior catcher.

Being on varsity since his freshman year has given him an insight on the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

“We can pitch. We are very good at pitching and we have one of the best pitching staffs in the state. We pride ourselves defensively,” said Lechtenberg, who has currently played and started every game and is batting .217 and has one home run.

Lechtenberg can recognize his team's strengths, but he also understands its weaknesses.

“A weakness right now has kind of been our offensive ability,” he said. “But we’ve seen glimpses of how it can be a strength, so if we get that around to be a strength then we will be a tough team to beat.”

Knowing his own qualities is important.

“I pride myself on being a leader and I also pride myself defensively,” he said. “So by using my leadership I can hopefully lift some of my teammates and get them on the right track to be successful.”

Knowing the qualities needed for a good baseball player is even more important.

“I believe the most important trait is a good mindset,” Lechtenberg said. “You can have all of the physical attributes you can, but if your mind isn’t there, it’s gonna be tough to succeed.”

Lechtenberg has a bright season ahead of him and he has one thing to say for other kids like him.

“Just play with no care in the world. Play loose, don’t think, just play.”