Athlete of the Week: A.J. Steinback, Wilmette Waves baseball

A.J. Steinback is a rising senior outfielder for the New Trier baseball team. Playing for the Wilmette Waves this summer, Steinback was named All-League in the Illinois Summer Baseball League.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I always wear a certain pair of shorts for a big game. They are New Trier football shorts. When I play in those, I play pretty well. 

2. What are your plans after high school?

I don’t think I’ll continue sports in college. I think my sports career is coming to an end. But I want to go to Boulder (University of Colorado) for college. I like skiing and that’s a good spot.

3. What is your dream job?

I feel like I want to be a bartender in Hawaii or something — on a beach. That seems like a cool job and you’d meet a lot of cool people.

4. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I like hanging out with my friends. I like going boating. We have a boat and spend a lot of time on that over the summer. Anything outdoors is usually up my alley. 

5. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I’d probably play lacrosse. I used to play when I was younger, but didn’t stick with it. It seems like a fun sport and they are always pretty good. It would be fun to be part of that team too. 

6. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I usually get an Arnold Palmer, then there’s these Haribo gummy cherries I get. That’s usually the order. 

7. Who is your favorite athlete? 

I’d say Michael Jordan. A lot of people say that, but I just like the way he competed. I hear stories of him on the golf course, being a fierce competitor. You’re supposed to relax on the golf course, but he’s still competing.

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I’d probably go to the Swiss Alps and go skiing. I’ve never been to Europe. I’ve skied in Colorado and don’t know if the Swiss Alps are better, but I heard they are just insane. 

9. What is something people do not know about you?

I usually take a Sunday drive with my dog (Miller, a Newfoundland) down Sheridan Road. I heard a country song by Luke Combs (“Better Together”), talking about Sunday drives. I thought I should try doing that. It’s relaxing and Sheridan is a nice road.

10. How was this season with the Waves?

Personally, I think I had a really good season. I was seeing the ball well and just need to carry that momentum into next season. Every game matters, don’t take anything for granted, especially my senior season. I want to cherish every moment.

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