The tradition continued in Centralia on Thursday as Gary Gaetti Day was celebrated along with the first day of the Major League baseball season.
Gaetti spent the day working with players at the Gaetti Sports Academy and talking and having photos with those dining at Castle Ridge next door.
Gaetti says it’s hard to believe the development was just a dream three years ago and now they can charge the progress of the players. For the first time this summer, he says the academy will be fielding four teams this summer.
Gaetti says, “As I get older, I really appreciate where I grew up, what it has afforded me, and to be able to come back and give something back in a baseball kind of way for me. It’s kind of all I really know. It’s nice to see the people that I’ve known over the years. I bought a house here, and I plan on coming back and living full-time when we get the kids through high school. I’m just excited about a lot of the stuff going on here.”
Gaetti says having a special day dedicated in his honor still feels strange.
Gaetti says, “They had the idea to come up with every opening day being Gary Gaetti Day in Centralia. I mean, I feel kind of weird, it’s kind of embarrassing that it’s Gary Gaetti Day. I don’t think it’s ever going to compete with Halloween or Christmas, but it makes for a neat time. We have a lot of fun with it and joke around. It gives me a chance to come back here and go with the locals and be part of something that we think is really good.
Many who came out had their Cardinals or Cubs wear proudly displayed. For Gaetti who played for both teams, he says he’s torn and not picking a favorite in the rivalry.
Gary Gaetti also posed with Cubs fans on his special day.
