Wake Forest Athletics
Deacon Sports Xtra: Back For More
3/18/2021 12:10:00 PM | Baseball, Gold Rush
Chris Lanzilli is ready to thrive in another season with the Deacons after an unexpected detour due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The possibilities seemed far-reaching and ripe with opportunity for Chris Lanzilli. Of all the places he could have played baseball in the spring of 2021, Winston-Salem didn't seem high on the list – or on the list at all.
But the past year hasn't been normal and that created a detour for Lanzilli, a right fielder whose big bat and engaging personality are part of the Wake Forest program for the fourth year in a row.
Some of the clamor from Lanzilli might come from another blast that sends the ball over the outfield fence. Others could hear something different.
"You just have to listen," he said.
With reduced crowd capacities at many venues to begin the season, there's a chance that other sounds coming from Lanzilli could be heard originating from the outfield.
How about a couple of verses of Motley Crue, accompanied by center fielder Michael Ludowig?
"We're always singing some song during the games," Lanzilli said, noting that the coaching staff is probably aware of this tendency and doesn't seem to mind. "As long as we're catching the ball."
Through the two-plus seasons, Lanzilli's contributions had been largely loud at the plate. Entering the re-do of his junior campaign, he had provided a .314 batting average with 31 home runs and 112 runs batted in across 123 games, starting 119 of those.
When baseball's amateur draft was reduced to five rounds amid the coronavirus pandemic, a sure-fire selection such as Lanzilli was suddenly joining many other prospects on the outside. Instead of beginning a professional career last summer, Lanzilli was taking a different approach to figuring out his future.
"I was planning on that happening," he said of being drafted. "I ended up home. In life, things go wrong. It took a while to realize that. You just have to work hard to be in the best situation.
Whether it was back in the Boston area or getting on the field in St. Petersburg, Fla., where his brother recently moved, Lanzilli set out to what he described as "improving my game quietly."
Now it's time to make some noise again. Lanzilli said he's embracing the upside of another season with the Demon Deacons.
"Just being able to utilize some of the best facilities in the country and not letting them go to waste," he said. "A lot of schools don't have what we have."
Lanzilli said the technology available – such as virtual reality set-up for batters that equates to facing live pitching – is something that he has grown to appreciate even more.
His motivation comes in attempting to help the Wake Forest program rise in prominence. On a personal level, there's the chance to keep making things happen on the field.
"People don't know what my next move is," he said. "I'm pretty unpredictable."
On the other hand, he's largely dependable for the Deacons. That's why he has been pegged into the No. 3 slot in the batting order.
"He's a vet, and we know he's going to be there for us," head coach Tom Walter said. "I expect to see the version of Chris Lanzilli we know and love."
When the new season began in February, the expectations were soaring again for Wake Forest. Not many teams can showcase the type of experience and credentials, with 2019 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year Bobby Seymour and Lanzilli headlining the group.
In many ways, Lanzilli and Seymour can lean on each other. They arrived in the same class and figured to be moving on at the same time. Now it's a chance to add to their collegiate accomplishments.
"We were always the two putting in the time in the cages," Lanzilli said. "It has always been a great relationship. We're helping each other out (with staying for another season). We're here and we're playing baseball."
Seymour, a first baseman, said when many of the veteran players returned to campus and resumed workouts that a determination to excel was present.
"Chris, being my best friend, we definitely stayed positive with each other," Seymour said.
"Obviously, we were both down (after the draft). At the end of the day, we both just accepted it and now working harder than ever. I guess maybe you can say it's a blessing in disguise. We'll see what happens this year. We both are so excited to be back and be with the guys."
The makeup of the 2021 team provides ample reasons for the optimism. The lineup is stocked with proven players and others ready to contribute.
"We know that our offense could explode at any time," Lanzilli said. "We're a more complete team than we've ever been."
Lanzilli had been drafted coming out of high school – mostly playing as a third baseman at that level -- by the San Francisco Giants. It was clear that he intended to play for Wake Forest, so he didn't sign to take the professional route at that time.
His impact for Wake Forest was almost immediate. He became the starting left fielder (along with some time in the infield), though since switching to right field a year ago. His reputation seemed to always be on the rise, showcasing a clutch gene that comes in handy so often for the Deacons.
"I like the big moments," he said. "I kind of thrive on that. I guess it's just luck some of the time (being in those situations). I like celebrating with the team."
Among those memorable moments came in the 2020 opener with his game-ending, ninth-inning home run to top Seton Hall.
He'll relish another accomplishment this spring that wouldn't have been so immediate had his path to pro ball started last year.
"I'll get that degree," he said.
He wants to use skills reaped as a student with a communication major in a sports capacity once his time in a uniform is finished.
On the baseball field, Lanzilli's enthusiasm with the Deacons has been evident for quite some time. Among the distinctions around the team came because of his New England roots. But his thick Boston accent has faded. He said that came by choice as he aimed to blend in a bit on campus.
But standing out at David F. Couch Ballpark is preferred.
As much as Lanzilli enjoys the time in the weight room, he said it has been important to polish all aspects of his baseball skills.
"I don't want to only turn into a home run guy," he said.
After the 2019 season, Lanzilli was a participant in the College Home Run Derby, a summer competition in Omaha, Neb. It was another sign that he was considered among the elite power hitters in the country.
He had never been to Omaha. Now he desperately wants to return, going along with his Deacons teammates to the College World Series.
"Omaha was a cool place for me," Lanzilli said. "The goal is definitely to get back. Hopefully, we go out there and compete for Omaha."
