King High honors Macaluso with field dedication
King High coach Jim Macaluso delivered many laughs, drew out some tears and got a well-deserved standing ovation from a big crowd at the school’s dedication of the baseball field after the 47-year Lions head coach.
Hey guys,
Yesterday’s dedication of the King High baseball field in honor of Lions coaching legend Jim Macaluso was a blast. We hope you made it, but if you didn’t we’ve put together this photo essay to share just a small part of the action. Make sure to read all the way to the end to find a link to our entire gallery of more than 150 photos from the day.
A packed house jammed into the tent in right field of newly christened Jim Macaluso Field.
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This is a MUST SEE when you make your next visit to King High Baseball – the new Lions legacy museum curated by Karen Macaluso. So much history here on the ground floor, as well as up in the pressbox.
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The event certainly had a Big Family feel, as all the Macaluso extended family played host to the crowd of around 400.
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A great turnout of once and current Lions baseball players for the ceremony.
The phrase “herding cats” was uttered about 100 times during this 20-minute process.
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Coach Macaluso (here interviewed by Spectrum Sports 360 journalist Katherine Smith) was in high demand throughout the social and lunch hour of the afternoon event.
So, sometimes you’ve got to take what you can get, selfie-wise.
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Any one who spends 47 years (this number was mentioned A LOT yesterday) coaching is going to have some scrapes and grumbles with his colleagues, but Macaluso had plenty of opposing coaches from throughout his career who attended for hugs and celebration of their baseball family friend.
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Saturday’s event was one for the whole family with some whiffle ball, BBQ and lots of stories – like everyone’s favorite time Coach Mac was “unfairly punished” by area umpires.
They even let the umpires attend!
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Some truly wonderful stories shared from the group of guest speakers there to honor, celebrate, and at times, roast the Lions skipper. The speeches included an early extra surprise as Temple Terrace mayor Andrew Ross proclaimed April 22, 2022 “Coach Jim Macaluso Day” in the city.
Who better to MC Jim Macaluso Field naming event than “Cousin Mike”? @MikeMacalusoSr pic.twitter.com/fZbgUij6md
— 813Preps (@813Preps) April 23, 2022
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Though all of the day’s speakers had wonderful messages – all deserving of recognition, the message delivered by Anthony Macaluso, “just Mac’s son,” was wonderful. Now 43, the younger Macaluso lamented despite being a grown man with a family of his own, he often hears himself referred to as “just Mac’s son.” “If in 43 years, I’m still known as ‘just Mac’s son,’ I’m okay with that,” he said. “Actually, I’m great with that.”
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And finally, the man of the hour got his turn to speak, and he delivered tons of laughs, produced a few tears, and reveled in the love of those who attended.
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OH MY GOSH!
HUGE announcement from Coach Mac! Brace yourselves. pic.twitter.com/233sxLGkUy
— 813Preps (@813Preps) April 23, 2022
Congrats, Coach Mac!
