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MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. -  When he was just nine years old, Gino Cappellazzo served as the St. Francis Lancers batboy, idolizing the players he saw in the dugout and take the field. Eight years later, Cappellazzo is now the one who has all the eyes on him as a Lancer himself. 

“I know nothing but St. Francis baseball. Our culture is the biggest part. I love my team and I couldn't ask for anything else.”

The Lancers are a young ballclub filled with committed talent. Capellazzo will be taking his talents ten miles south to Santa Clara University in the fall of next year. Elliot Hsu, a versatile right-handed pitcher, is committed to play at Willamette University in 2025. Tanner Wall, a hard-hitting middle infielder, is committed to Pepperdine University in 2026 after attending the PBR OC Uncommitted Games in October. Landon Kim sported a 1.88 ERA for the Lancers last season and is committed to play at Williams College in 2025.

Nicholas Chow, a 6 '4, right handed pitcher, is committed to play at Santa Clara University in 2025 and will team up with Cappellazzo once 2026 rolls around and will be joined by his former battery mate.

As for Cappellazzo’s decision to become a Bronco, it felt like a no-brainer to stay home.

“Coming off a good summer, it was an exciting time. I was hearing from a lot of schools that weren't even on my radar. As for Santa Clara, it’s close to home and I love this area. I feel like I can have an instant impact on campus from day one.”

Cappellazzo at the 2023 Future Games

After attending the 2023 Future Games, Cappellazzo still felt like he had more to prove. 

As a rising sophomore, Cappellazzo arrived in LakePoint, Georgia eager to show why he belonged at the Future Games. Surrounded by other talented rising sophomores, such as RHP Gary Morse (Uncommitted), MIF CJ Weinstein (LSU Commit), and OF Ezekiel Lara (Georgia Tech Commit), Cappellazzo was motivated to return after his first stint at Future Games.

“My freshman year, I was the younger guy on the squad. I didn’t really know what to expect. Coming back this year, I knew what I had to do. I was prepared and ready to go.”

He returned to LakePoint, Georgia this past summer for the 2024 edition of the series, and did not disappoint. The 6 '3 catcher impressed on a triad of fronts, excelling on the pitcher’s mound, behind the dish, and with the bat.

His tall stature and technical approach allowed him to smack balls frequently near a 90 MPH exit velocity, peaking at just below 100 MPH. His home-run potential was also on display when stepping into the batter's box. With a 1.96-2.07 pop time, Cappellazzo kept runners at bay while efficiently framing balls and strikes. On the mound, Cappellazzo was able to truly shine. Cappellazzo showed off a three pitch arsenal, highlighted by his changeup that induced plenty of swing/miss and soft contact. 

“It was a shock. There were more coaches than I could count. Everywhere I went I was walking past crowds of coaches, whether it was going to the game or just to hit in the cages.”

Cappellazzo at the 2024 Future Games

With still two years to go before officially becoming a Bronco, Cappellazzo still has his sights set on success for the rest of his tenure at St. Francis.

“I want to win a championship with my boys.”

The Lancers, led by Cappellazzo hope to improve on a mediocre 2024 campaign. Joined by Valley Christian and Junipero Serra in a difficult West Catholic division, St. Francis hopes to write their own script come playoff time this spring.

The Valley Christian Warriors are coming off a 27-6 season and an 11-3 record in league play. The Warriors roster is loaded with eight players committed to play at division one programs. Equally as talented, the Junipero Serra Padres are coming off a 22-7 season and also finished with an 11-3 record in league play. They will be led by two players committed to division one programs, SS/RHP Ian Josephson (St. Mary’s) and SS/2B Evan Bradshaw (Pacific).

With a tough division and challenging non-league schedule, St. Francis hopes to prove why they belong in the Division 1 championship discussion.

As for being a catcher, Cappellazzo’s father was his main driving force to put on the gear.

“My dad put me behind the dish in Little League because he knew I was the only one on the team who could catch. I stuck with it and I haven’t looked back. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else on the field.”

Cappellazzo does not shy away from the leadership role that comes with being a catcher. Even as a younger individual on the roster, Cappellazzo has risen to the occasion to help lead his older and younger peers alike:

“I love being able to go out to my pitcher and help him out when he’s struggling. Being a leader is all about controlling the energy and setting the tone for confidence.”

Cappellazzo, the talented pitching staff, and the rest of the St. Francis Lancers roster hope to fight for the championship title come May.

“The biggest part for me is being close to my pitching staff. I’ve caught some of my pitchers since we were little and it’s helped me a ton in being able to control the game as a whole.”

The Lancers will open up their season at home against the Wilcox Chargers (Santa Clara, CA) in a non-league contest on Feb. 20.

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