However, among all of his awards, accolades and fine accomplishments he has received over the years, Cirillo still has a special place for achievement, which occurred early in his career.
In 1986, Cirillo was a member of the Providence baseball team that went 23-3 and captured a CIF Southern Section Small Schools championship. He was a standout pitcher on a squad that defeated Linfield Christian to win the title.
It was the first CIF championship at the school, and to this day, no team — in any sport — has been able to win another one.
Cirillo and the championship team were honored Thursday evening at a ceremony at Providence. He had his Pioneer No. 27 retired and two banners were unveiled in the school's gym saluting the squad and Cirillo.
Cirillo said he was touched and honored to be recognized at the event, which featured some of the players and coaches from the 1986 team.
"I really love this school, and I am truly thankful to be honored along with my teammates," said Cirillo, 37. "Providence was a special place for me and many of the teachers and coaches I had at the school helped groom my life and helped serve as mentors to me.
"It is truly a blessing for me to be here and have my jersey retired in front of the school.
"I look at some of the people who came out [Thursday], especially my teammates, and it touches my heart to see all of them here. It's been 20 years since I have seen some of them, and we just picked up our conversation like we had just been teammates yesterday. Some of these guys are like brothers to me."
Along with individuals associated with the championship baseball team, a large crowd of Providence students and parents were in attendance for the event. Also present were Cirillo's parents, aunt and his Little League coach.
He thanked his parents for helping him throughout his life.
