On a spring afternoon at St. Andrew’s School, Ellis Kelley stands on the mound and looks toward home plate. Waiting for the pitch is a familiar target - his older brother Jack, crouched behind the catcher’s mask and calling the game. For the Lions baseball program, it is a snapshot of something bigger taking shape. For the Kelley family, it is the realization of years spent throwing, hitting, and competing together long before either wore a St. Andrew’s uniform.
Moments like that go beyond a brother pitching to a brother. They reflect the type of culture Lions Baseball is working to build - one rooted in preparation, connection, and players who invest in the future of the program. As the Lions continue to grow under Head Coach Stephen Vaughn and Assistant Coach Mike McCann, players like Jack and Ellis Kelley have become part of the foundation, helping move the program forward.
For the first time in their baseball careers, the two brothers are wearing the same uniform. Jack, a varsity catcher, and Ellis, an eighth-grade pitcher who also plays shortstop and contributes across the field, are now sharing the field as teammates. Their connection on the field, particularly when Ellis is on the mound and Jack is behind the plate, reflects years of preparation and the type of competitive spirit the Lions program is striving to foster.
St. Andrew’s head baseball coach Stephen Vaughn talks with brothers Ellis Kelley (left) and Jack Kelley during a Lions game in Savannah. (Photo courtesy of the St. Andrew’s School Athletic Department)
“Jack and Ellis represent everything you hope to build a strong program around,” Vaughn said. “Jack has helpedset a new standard for our baseball program over the past two years through his work ethic, preparation, and passion for the game. Ellis is only in the eighth grade, but his baseball IQ and competitiveness, combined with the physical gifts he brings to the field, already make him one of the premier young players in our area. It has been awesome to watch them work together as a battery this year.”
Their connection on the field began long before their time at St. Andrew’s.
Jack first picked up the game through recreational baseball at age six. Not long after, Ellis wanted to do the same. Their mother, Jesse Lazzuri, Head of Middle School at St. Andrew’s School, remembers how closely Ellis followed everything his older brother did.
“Ellis idolized Jack,” Lazzuri said. “He followed him everywhere and imitated everything he did. If Jack was swinging a bat, Ellis wanted to swing one too.”
Ellis entered recreational baseball at just four years old, eager to compete alongside older players and follow the same path his brother had taken. As Jack advanced into travel baseball, Ellis pushed to compete at that level as well. The brothers spent years moving from practices to tournaments while also dedicating extra time to improving their skills at fields, batting cages, and in the gym.
Along the way, several coaches helped shape their development. Lazzuri credits mentors such as Michael Godbee, who coached Jack during his early years in the sport, and Joe Caracci, who works with both brothers on developing the physical and mental aspects of the game.
“They believed in them and pushed them to be the best baseball players they could be, but also the best versions of themselves,” Lazzuri said. “Our boys wouldn’t have the success they have today without our baseball village.”
Despite the years spent playing the same sport, the brothers had never actually been on the same team until this season. Seeing Ellis pitch while Jack works behind the plate has become one of the most meaningful parts of the year for their family.
“Before this year they had never played on the same team,” Lazzuri said. “Having them play together is really special, especially when Ellis is pitching and Jack is catching him. They work hard together outside of practice to get better and they push each other, so it’s really cool to see them finally get to play together.”
That competitive relationship dates back to childhood, when nearly every activity turned into a contest between the two.
“We competed 24/7,” Jack said. “Paper baseball, wiffle ball, blitz ball - any sport you could think of. We played itand we both tried to win. I think a big part of our success comes from that constant competition growing up.”
Now that same mindset is influencing the environment within the Lions clubhouse. Jack sees his younger brother’s presence as another step forward for the program’s future.
“Being able to play baseball with my brother is something I’ve looked forward to for years,” Jack said. “I think having a player the caliber of Ellis gives our team a stronger core. It makes me happy to see him thrive and the team thrive as a whole.”
Ellis believes the connection extends beyond just the two of them and helps strengthen the team dynamic.
“Playing with my brother makes a stronger team,” Ellis said. “It helps create a better dynamic for everyone and a stronger connection between teammates.”
As Lions Baseball continues to develop, the program’s future is being shaped by players who embrace competition, preparation, and a commitment to something larger than themselves. The Kelley brothers represent the two ends of that growth: Jack helping establish the standard within the program, and Ellis emerging as part of the next generation, already stepping into it.
For their family, seeing them share the field this season is special. For the Lions program, it is another sign of progress. What began years ago as backyard games between two competitive brothers has grown into something larger - an opportunity to help build the culture, connection, and future of Lions Baseball.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of St. Andrew's School Athletic Department
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Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
