Former San Pedro Honorary Mayor John Bagakis is Greek and Italian by heritage. Like many ethnic folks in the LA Harbor area, he roots for the old country in soccer. He tells the story of getting to celebrate two consecutive major soccer championships, first with the unlikely victory by Greece at the 2004 European Cup and then two years later the 2006 World Cup championship won by Italy — a victory that meant so much to him that he gave away free pizzas at Big Nick’s, the restaurant he manages.
June 12, 2020
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Vol. II, No. 12 John Bagakis remembers Greek & Italian Heritage World Cup Soccer Stories
Director/co-producer Jack Baric aptly remarks:
“Today June 12 is the day that many soccer fans from the Harbor area, who have ethnic ties to Europe, were looking forward to. It was supposed ot be the opening day of the European Cup soccer tournament, but it was postponed ot 2021 because of the international virus crisis”.
As a substitute John Bagakis former Honorary Mayor of San Pedro, who is of Greek and Italian heritage, tells the story of getting to celebrate two consecutive major soccer championships.
First the unlikely victory by Greece at the 2004 European Cup and then two years later at the 2005 World Cup championship won by Italy, a victory that meant so much to him he gave away free pizza at Big Nick’s Pizza the popular restaurant where he is the managing partner.”
John also currently serves as Harbor Area Planning Commissioner; and esteemed for his enthusiastic support for San Pedro, generous and caring spirit.
Other Memories From John Bagakis
- Watching Italian Soccer at Grandparents House — John Bagakis
- Pride of Being Greek – John Bagakis
- Greek & Italian Heritage – John Bagakis
- Becoming Honorary Mayor – John Bagakis
- How Big Nick’s Fed 2,000 Hungry Cruise Ship Passengers – John Bagakis
- Greek and Italian Soccer Championships – John Bagakis
- Dive Bars of San Pedro – John Bagakis