ARLINGTON, Texas — Longtime Texas Rangers fan John “Zonk” Lanzillo Jr. passed away Thursday, Sept. 30. in North Richland Hills, Texas. He was 88.
“Today is a very sad day for the Texas Rangers organization as we have lost one of our most loyal and longtime fans. Zonk Lanzillo was a regular at Arlington Stadium and The Ballpark in Arlington for more than 25 years. He became known for creating excitement with his trademark drum, which he would bang to ignite Rangers rallies night after night. Zonk was a big part of the Rangers’ first three A.L. West Division championships in the late 1990’s and no one was happier when the club earned its first trip to the postseason in 1996,” the Rangers said in a statement.
Lanzillo was unable to attend many games in recent years due to health conditions, but he was present at the final opening day at Globe Life Park in 2019.
A moment of silence will be held at the Rangers’ final game of 2021 this Sunday at Globe Life Field. Lanzillo’s family will be in attendance.