After finishing his final season as head coach at Hart High School, Jim Ozella has begun a new chapter in his life as an author.

Ozella announced the release of his book “The Greatest Time to Be a Kid: Stories of Unexpected Adventure,” in which he describes his childhood in Ingalls Park, Illinois and how he learned the true meaning of community, friendship and family. 

“I was blessed by the guidance of loving parents and family to develop while living in the Ingalls Park-Joliet region,” said Ozella. “The book shares my memories of being raised in a loving environment during the 1960s when our American society moved at a simple pace.”

Ozella’s recent coaching achievements are a testament to his dedication and the team’s hard work. He was named the Division 2 CIF Coach of the Year, a proud moment following a season that culminated in Hart winning the CIF Division 2 Championship and the Foothill League Championship.

“The spring 2024 season was a whirlwind of excitement for our players, the coaching staff and the school,” said Ozella. “Winning the Foothill League title and then marching through the five challenging games of the Division II gauntlet provides the memory of a lifetime for the team and myself.”

During Ozella’s time as Hart’s head coach, he won the Foothill League Championship 12 times and the Division 2 CIF Championship.

More impressive is that Ozella produced nine MLB players, including Jerry Owens, Jamie Sheilds, Chris Valaika, Trevor Bauer, Steve Susdorf, Michael Montgomery, Trevor Brown, Pat Valaika and current Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow. 

“The gateway to Hart Baseball has provided an opportunity for our dedicated student-athletes to reach their academic and baseball goals,” Said Ozella. “The tradition built by the efforts of the players certainly has been a proud moment in my career.”

To cap off the season and the release of his new book, Ozella is set to hold a book signing on Thursday, June 20, at Hart High School in the J Plaza.

To get a copy of Ozella’s book for the signing, click here.

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