Batter Up! EPAA Celebrates Opening Day

This year’s Evergreen Park Athletic Association opening day was a dual celebration. at the April 14 event. Part of the EPAA 1994 state championship team, he said it was his days as a little leaguer that laid the foundation for such a successful life of service.

“Without a doubt, the level of teamwork, dedication and hard work that I learned out here on the field as a kid, really carried over throughout the rest of my life,” LaGilia said. “The Army kind of brought it out even more, but I already had it.”

LaGilia served three tours of duty, two to Iran and most recently Afghanistan. He surprised his daughter in school in December when he returned home. His nephew Liam O’Mahony and current Minor League player who caught the first pitch, wrote a letter to the EPAA asking for his uncle to throw out the first pitch.

"John can sometimes still be seen sporting his All-Star jersey," O'Mahony said in his note to the association. "John loves the game of baseball, and loves EPAA. It would mean a great deal to me, and our family, if EPAA could honor John by having him throw out the first pitch of the 2012 season!"

Recollecting his time serving the country, LaGilia said although it was tough being away from his family, wife and three young children, it was an invaluable experience for him. “The biggest thing is just the bond that I made with the fellow soldiers of mine, some of them are like brothers now,” he said. “I also have to say the unconditional and extreme support I got from my family, that they just gave while I was gone and kept everything going and just went above and beyond."

LaGilia knew he wanted to serve in the U.S. Army ever since he was a student visiting his cousins on military bases during breaks."I just always had a patriotic side...I just wanted to do my part,” he said. "I realized that was something I wanted to be."

EPAA’s super soldier will be returning back to active duty soon, however he is happy to be discharged this coming May. LaGilia said he's planning to get back to working with Local 281 sprinkler fitters. "I might look into going to get my MBA," he said. But he can't stay away from the game! "One thing's for certain, definitely coaching my kids in baseball, that's one of the big priorities," LaGilia said.

Asked whether has any regrets, LaGilia said “No regrets. It was tough being away from my kids. Obviously, you never get that time back, but I hope that through service and whenever the family sacrifices, they grow up having a little pride in the family in the long run that will help them out.

LaGilia and his wife, Mariellyn have three children: Grace, 6; 4-year-old Michael and baby Brooke, 2.

“I really just want to thank the community for all of their support,” LaGilia said.

Take a look at our gallery from Opening Day and add your own photos!