Jac Caglianone reflected on ‘special moment’ with his dad following Royals debut
Jac Caglianone went to find his family after the Kansas City Royals’ 10-7 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.
They had made the trip up from Tampa, Florida, for his MLB debut. It was a special day for the Caglianone family with Jac in the starting lineup for the first time.
“It was great to see my dad and (everyone),” Jac said. “I know how much this moment means to him as well and my whole family. He’s the one that’s been doing it the longest with me. Super special.”
Jeff Caglianone had always envisioned this moment. He knew it was possible during the post-dinner workouts after school. And it felt more real after watching Jac hit 15 home runs during his minor-league stint.
However, Tuesday quickly became a day he will always remember. His son wore No. 14 in a big-league game. It was the culmination of all the hard work put in over the years.
“This is something that he has been working for since he was 3,” Jeff said. “It’s crazy because I text him after every game just with observations about the night. He usually texts me back within a couple of minutes.”
In recent weeks, Jeff had a feeling about his son. He thought Jac was close to making his MLB debut after being promoted to Triple-A Omaha.
“Interestingly, when they were away with Northwest Arkansas, my wife and I went to Costco to get some stuff before the game,” Jeff recalled, “and we were walking in and I told her, ‘I think he is going to get called up (to Triple-A Omaha) today.’”
And sure enough, it happened.
In the last week, Jeff helped Jac move his stuff into a new apartment. He was in Omaha before heading back to Tampa last Friday. Jac had his lease for about four days before learning he was going to Kansas City.
“Moved into an apartment in Omaha on Tuesday,” Jac said. “Thankfully, my fiancée was there, so she helped me pack everything back up. We hit the road (Monday) morning and came to KC.”
Now, Jeff might need to help him move again. Jac is here to stay with the Royals and will need a permanent residence in KC to call home.
He made sure to break the news to his dad. They relished the opportunity to share Jac’s MLB debut with family and friends.
“This past Sunday, I texted him after the game and I didn’t get a response,” Jeff said. “And then the phone rang and it was just amazing.”
Despite going hitless in five at-bats, Jac showed his raw talent at the plate. He smoked a couple balls across the field. He nearly recorded two extra-base hits if not for great defensive plays from Cardinals duo Victor Scott II and Nolan Arenado.
“You know, I think going up for my first AB I felt really comfortable,” Caglianone said. “Faced some good pitches and hit them both pretty well. No cigar. Victor Scott is pretty good out there so made a great play. I felt really good.”
Still, it was a cool moment for the Caglianones. The family contingent included his parents, Jeff and Johanne, his sister Samantha, his fiancée Elli McKissock and a host of other family and friends.
From playing (and pitching) at H.B. Plant High School to the University of Florida and everywhere in between, Jac showed his ability to rise to the occasion at each turn.
Tuesday’s game was the first day of his MLB journey. He will get a chance to find his footing on the road before his home debut at Kauffman Stadium on June 10 against the New York Yankees.
And Jeff plans to be in attendance for that one as well. He is also hopeful to have his 96-year-old father (Jac’s grandfather) alongside him. They want to be in the building to see Jac play and live out his dreams in Kansas City.
“My dad was coming,” Jeff said. “He’s 96 and I called him yesterday and told him, ‘Hey, you’ve got to pack, we’re leaving.’ He just wasn’t feeling well, so he didn’t want to try to make the flight, which we are really sad about. We really, really wanted him here. I’m going to maybe see if I can get him out there for the home debut next week.”
It’s possible three generations of Caglianone’s will be at Kauffman Stadium. With Father’s Day on June 15, it will be a nice early surprise for everyone to celebrate.
And another memory that Jac can share with his family and his dad.
“That hug after the game,” Jac said, “is a moment I’ll cherish.”
