Gates Lanzarone helped Putnam County baseball take an important step forward during his four-year career.
Now, after leaving his mark on the War Eagles program, the former standout is preparing for the next chapter after signing with Reinhardt University.
As he looks back on his time in the program, Lanzarone hopes his impact was felt positively as part of a senior class that helped restore postseason success to Putnam County.
“I would have to say hopefully I made a positive impact,” Lanzarone said.
That senior group played a key role in helping the War Eagles host a state playoff series for the first time in more than a decade.
“We were the first team to host playoffs in, I think, 13 years,” Lanzarone said. “I feel like the majority of us definitely had a better impact on Putnam County.”
Lanzarone played under two head coaches during his prep career, but said his time under current skipper Stephen Phillips stood out the most.
“I definitely wish that I could have played for Coach Phillips longer,” Lanzarone said. “He’s more than just a coach. He’s a mentor. He wants to be there for you every step of the way, and he wants you to be not just a better ballplayer, but a better human. I wish I were able to spend another two years with him.”
While his high school career featured memorable moments, including a home run against region rival Jasper County last season, Lanzarone said his favorite memory came from playing alongside family.
“Being able to play with my little brother,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been able to do that until this last year, and it was a pretty memorable experience being able to be on the field with him.”
Now, he’ll continue his baseball journey just north of Metro Atlanta.
Although he doesn’t remember exactly how the opportunity came together, Lanzarone said the recruiting process included constant travel, showcases, and college visits as he worked to position himself to play at the next level.
“I was out about every weekend going to showcases and colleges, just trying to put myself out there as much as possible,” he said.
Once he got to Reinhardt, the fit became clear quickly.
“I loved the scenery,” Lanzarone said. “I’ve always been a fan of the mountains. It’s really scenic up there. I also got to practice with their team while I was there, which was really fun.”
Originally recruited primarily as a pitcher, Lanzarone said changes within the coaching staff have opened the door for a more versatile role.
“When I first got recruited, they wanted me more as a pitcher,” he said. “Since then, they’ve gotten new coaching, so I’m definitely going to try to be a two-way player. Hopefully I’ll pitch and then play somewhere in the infield, wherever they need me.”
On the mound, Lanzarone believes his strength starts with velocity and continues with his ability to command multiple pitches.
“I’ve always been more of a harder thrower,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll gain a good bit more velocity my freshman year. I’ve always had pretty good movement on my pitches, and I’m able to locate them pretty much all the time.”
At the plate, his approach has remained steady.
“You want to jump on something early,” Lanzarone said. “You don’t want to get caught behind in the count where you have to be protective. If you get a first-pitch fastball or something like that, you want to hit it hard somewhere.”
Defensively, Lanzarone takes pride in his versatility across the infield and notes that improving his lateral quickness will be key at the next level.
“I think my fielding is pretty good,” he said. “I definitely think it could use some improvement, but lateral quickness is a big part of playing the infield. At shortstop and third base, you have to have a pretty good arm, and I feel like that’s definitely one of my strengths.”
With his high school career now complete, Lanzarone also begins to think about life beyond baseball, even if the path isn’t fully defined yet.
“I’m currently undecided,” he said of his college major. “I think maybe sports management or something like that, but I don’t really know yet. I’m hoping college will help me figure that out.”