Four Generations of Burns Family Anchor LaGrange High Baseball

The Burns family has become synonymous with LaGrange High School's baseball program, with four members sharing the dugout in 2026.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school baseball game, with overlapping planes of players, dugout, and field in vibrant greens, whites, and browns, capturing the energy and legacy of the sport.The Burns family's multigenerational presence on the LaGrange High baseball team reflects the enduring tradition and community spirit of the program.LaGrange Today

The Burns family has become a fixture of the LaGrange High School baseball program, with four members - assistant coach Jonathan, his sons Jackson and Julian 'JuJu', and his nephew Sam - all sharing the dugout in 2026. Jonathan has coached at the school for nearly a decade, while his eldest son Jackson is a senior on the team. Sam, a sophomore, has earned the starting catching position, and young JuJu serves as the team's bat and ball boy.

Why it matters

The Burns family's deep roots in LaGrange High baseball represent a multigenerational tradition of excellence and community involvement in the program. Their shared experience on the diamond mirrors the overlapping tenures of the previous generation, creating a sense of legacy and continuity for the team.

The details

Jonathan Burns has been an assistant coach with the LaGrange High baseball program for nearly 10 years. His eldest son, Jackson, is a senior on the team this season, while his nephew Sam is the starting catcher as a sophomore. Jonathan's youngest son, Julian 'JuJu' Burns, serves as the team's bat and ball boy. The Burns family's involvement with LaGrange baseball dates back to the late 1990s, when Jonathan's older brother Nick played for the Grangers.

  • Jonathan Burns has been an assistant coach at LaGrange High for nearly a decade.
  • Jackson Burns is a senior on the 2026 LaGrange High baseball team.
  • Sam Burns, Jonathan's nephew, is the starting catcher as a sophomore in 2026.
  • Julian 'JuJu' Burns, Jonathan's youngest son, has been the team's bat and ball boy for several years.

The players

Jonathan Burns

An assistant coach with the LaGrange High baseball program for nearly a decade.

Jackson Burns

Jonathan's eldest son, a senior on the 2026 LaGrange High baseball team.

Julian 'JuJu' Burns

Jonathan's youngest son, who has served as the LaGrange High baseball team's bat and ball boy for several years.

Sam Burns

Jonathan's nephew, the starting catcher as a sophomore on the 2026 LaGrange High baseball team.

Nick Burns

Jonathan's older brother, who played for the LaGrange High Grangers in the late 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“While more things change around us, the more it feels like this baseball team stays the same. LaGrange baseball is a tradition, and we are proud to keep up the tradition here.”

— Jonathan Burns, Assistant Coach

“It's special. Just watching them compete and talk about baseball has been one of the coolest things I've been a part of.”

— Jonathan Burns, Assistant Coach

“I love having him out there with me for warm-ups and practice and stuff. If I make a big play, Jackson is the first one that I'm looking for when I get back to the dugout.”

— Sam Burns, Sophomore Catcher

“He has such a great feel for the game. He knows when to go out there to bring balls to the umpires. He takes it very seriously.”

— Jonathan Burns, Assistant Coach

What’s next

The Burns family will continue to be a fixture of the LaGrange High baseball program in the coming years, as the younger generation of players and coaches carry on the family's legacy.

The takeaway

The Burns family's deep roots and multigenerational involvement in the LaGrange High baseball program exemplify the enduring power of community, tradition, and family in high school sports. Their shared experience on the diamond represents the passing of the torch from one generation to the next, ensuring the continued success and spirit of the Grangers baseball team.