Palos Verdes Senior Zack deCiutiis is having a monstrous baseball season, and has put together a breakout season at the plate. The Seaking outfielder started playing baseball at the age of eight and has always loved the game. “Baseball has always been a huge part of my life, I used to play football when I was younger but I couldn’t get myself to love it the way I love baseball,” stated deCiutiis. DeCiutiis ended up quitting football to focus on baseball and had an opportunity to work on his skills over the summer. His work has paid off, as deCiutiis has put together a great season, achieving a .380 batting average on the year and helping the Seakings reach the playoffs. The Seakings were able to secure a playoff spot by defeating Mira Costa in the final game of the regular season, and have the opportunity to make a run for a CIF title.
When asked how he maintains such consistency though all of his at-bats deCiutiis stated, “Practicing up to six times a week and getting a lot of hits in batting practice keeps you in a nice groove.” Standing at 5 foot 7 Zack really relies on his speed to beat out ground balls for base hits and to steal bases. The speedster is six for eight in stolen base attempts this season and has also hit a home run. “I like to think that I’m as big as one of those huge Cuban players when I step up to the plate, it really helps my mind set when I’m at bat.” Due to deCiutiis’ success this season pitchers reading the scouting report probably imagine that they are facing the next Yasiel Puig but in reality they are just getting all 5 feet 7 inches of Zack deCiutiis. DeCiutiis is third on the team in hits and runs and also leads the team with the highest batting average for players with 50+ at-bats.
DeCiutiis’ teammate, sophomore Connor Buckle, added, “I don’t know how he stays so consistent with his hitting, it’s almost as if he never has a bad game.” Along with his consistent hitting, deCiutiis managed to stay healthy enough to play 25 out of the 27 games on the Seakings’ schedule.
Along with being a dominant player on the field, deCiutiis is also one of the friendliest kids on the team. “Ever since I was a little kid I always made it a priority to be nice to others and it just stuck with me throughout high school,” said deCiutiis. Palos Verdes Sophomore and Varsity Seaking baseball player Adam Fogel added, “Zacky D is the homie, whenever you need someone to make you smile he’s there for you.” This great ballplayer with a huge heart has already helped lead the Seakings to the playoffs, and will hopefully bring a CIF Championship back to Palos Verdes High School.