CENTRALIA � Gary Gaetti played nearly 20 years in the Majors, and soon he will have a place where he can teach the game.
Gaetti and his new teammates broke ground on the Gaetti Sports Academy in his hometown of Centralia.  The Academy is the first phase in a 4.6 million dollar development of the former Meadow Woods Country Club near Raccoon Lake.
Gaetti wants his academy to be a regional draw for all of ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois.
"You know it’s just an exciting day and to see the people that came out here to support us," said Gaetti. "If that’s an indication of any kind of success we’re gonna have here, then, you know, we’re doing the right thing.  This is just awesome.  It’s gonna be awesome for Centralia, the entire southern Illinois area.  Now it’s up to us to provide, not just a quality venue, but also quality service to the kids and the youth."
Other former Major Leaguers from the area are helping develop the teaching aspects of the academy including Kirk Rueter and Bryan Eversgerd.
The academy will be using HitTrax which will provide real-time statistical analysis to players� performances.
Look for much more on the Gaetti Sports Academy Saturday on News 3.
