Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame
Slugger Blake Lalli will go down as arguably the most complete hitter ever to suit up for the Runnin' Bulldogs. Lalli finished his career as the all-time leader at GWU in hits, games played, starts, doubles and at bats – and ranked in the top-5 in career batting average, runs, RBI, home runs, total bases and walks. That included a solid .340 average with 290 hits, 155 runs scored, 70 doubles, 27 home runs and 153 RBI in four seasons. Lalli's versatility was unmatched, with starts at six different positions and on the mound. Lalli earned first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors at third base in 2005, when he led NCAA Division I with a school-record 30 doubles and powered GWU to its first Atlantic Sun Tournament victory – earning 2005 A-Sun All-Tournament honors in the process. Lalli adjusted quickly to a new position in 2006, moving behind the plate as a redshirt senior. The move didn't hinder his offensive prowess, as he slammed a career-high 11 home runs and earned first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors at his new spot following the season. Lalli went on to sign with the Chicago Cubs prior to the 2006 MLB Draft and eventually became the first Gardner-Webb product to play in a Major League game when he suited up against the White Sox on May 18, 2012. Lalli had a very successful minor league career with the Cubs before his call up, earning All-Southern League (AA) honors three times. He went on to play in the majors with the Brewers in 2013 and finished the 2016 season on the Atlanta Braves big league roster.
