C Quinn Schambow (Libertyville, 2025) had one of the more helium 2023 campaigns in the state, and he now sits at No. 4 in Illinois as a result. The muscle-bound backstop is listed at 6-foot, 190-pounds, and he likely still has more filling out to do as he matures throughout his prep career. Initially representing Team Illinois at the Junior Future Games back in 2021, Schambow progressed well throughout his first couple years of high school ball and eventually earned an invite back to LakePoint this past summer, representing Team Illinois once again at the Future Games. There's a lot to like with the Oklahoma State commit, and one tool that immediately stands out is his arm-strength; boasting a top velocity of 84 mph from the chute to pair with a pop-time as low as 1.86 seconds. His prowess on the mound shouldn't be taken lightly either, as he can work his fastball up to 89 mph with carry and spin a slider over 2,500 rpm consistently, looking to potentially be a wipeout offering. At the plate, the right-handed hitter has strong hands with uphill tendencies, showing the ability to use the whole field and work on the barrel (T94.1 mph max EV). Already an established force on varsity, Schambow is primed for another big year in '24, and with the talent surrounding him at Libertyville, they are in the driver's seat to make some noise this coming spring. 

We recently had the chance to talk with Schambow about his recruitment process, as well as some other fun topics, below. 

Our Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Quinn: I didn't have any expectations going into the recruiting process. I just went out there and played the game I love. I was very excited knowing that I can talk to schools on August 1st. My family and I were looking for a program with great academics and a school that is the best fit for me. We were looking for a program that has great coaches and down to earth people that are transparent in what they want, as well as me fitting into their program. The community and coaches played a huge role as every school has different aspects of their program. Along with the coaches, we were looking for programs to develop me to become the best I can possibly be.  

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

Q: I wanted to play in warmer weather, but the distance or location didn't matter to me. Just finding the right school and fit was the main factor in my decision.  

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play? 

Q: The recruiting process started in the spring season of my Sophomore year. I had gotten my first calls that spring before the deadline. Following the spring, Oklahoma State had watched me all throughout the summer leading into the Future Games. Future Games ramped up my recruiting as there were many schools there. Following Future Games on August 1st is when I got the phone calls, as Oklahoma State was one of my top schools.  

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision? 

Q: I loved Oklahoma State right when I got there and met the coaches and players, it felt like home. The coaching staff was everything I was looking for. They showed me everything they do at OSU to the catching drills, hitting and more. A huge aspect I was looking for in a program is to develop me to be the best I can be. I felt like OSU and the staff was perfect for that and would prepare me well. On my visit, I saw the campus and community and I felt like it fit perfectly. The atmosphere there couldn't be better, that's what led me to make my decision.   

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

Q: Arkansas and TCU. 

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent? 

Q: LHP Lucas Foley (Lake Zurich, 2023; Valparaiso commit). He has a very good change up and he hides his pitches very well from the left side, which makes it tough on hitters. 

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Q: It has always been my dream to play high-level college baseball and professional baseball. In my seventh and eighth grade year I realized that I can be a high-level college baseball player. This is when I knew catching would stick for me. I knew there was a lot of work to be done for this to happen.  

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

Q: Be YOU. Don't compare yourself to others. Don't worry about the intangibles and play your game. Baseball is a hard game so you have to be determined and have the right mindset every pitch and every play. Focus on bettering yourself and what you can do better to be the best you can possibly be.  

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

Q: My best baseball memory was in my freshman spring season. I had hit my first high school home run on the day my grandpa had passed away. This was easily my best memory from my baseball career.  

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be? 

Q: Our high school team is full of very young players. We have a lot of weapons including our starting pitcher, LHP Josh Holst (2025; Air Force commit) who had a great season last year. Along with SS Cole Lockwood (2025; Valparaiso commit) who has a great glove and bat. I believe our team will be very good not only because of our pitching and hitting, but how collected we are as a team. We have been playing with each other ever since we were kids. We have high expectations for our team and are looking to make a state run this year. I would definitely watch out for Libertyville. 

P: How did the Future Games and/or the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)? 

Q: Future Games impacted my recruiting tremendously with many coaches attending the event. I received more attention from the Future Games as I could showcase my skills in a showcase and games all throughout the week there.  

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from? 

Q: Fellow OSU commit, Ezra Essex’s Speed. 

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program? 

Q: Chase Lockwood. He is a RHP out of Libertyville with lots of room to grow and make a huge impact for our high school team this spring. Chase is a very hard worker in the weight room and on the mound. I would definitely have him on the radar as he keeps developing and getting better. He knows what he's doing and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. 

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc?  

Q: Prep Baseball definitely assisted my recruiting, with many showcases offered and tournaments all throughout the summer. They helped my numbers and in-game play get out there to be seen. They were a huge part in assisting my recruiting. 

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