Brooke Mrozek, Team Manager of the Florida Bolts Baseball Champions joins Mat Germain & Mark Corbett on Florida BaseballBiz

• Florida Bolts Organization
• All-girls baseball organization serving ages 7–18 across Florida
• Teams compete in national tournaments, including Sparks, Nevada where:
• 12U team won 1st place (minor division)
• 16U team finished 2nd place (minor division)
• Brooke’s daughter served as a coach for the 12U team
• Growth of Women’s Baseball
• Increasing opportunities with 10 collegiate women’s baseball teams (e.g., Cal Poly)
• Launch of the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) in 2026 with six teams in the Northeast
• New pathways for girls to pursue baseball beyond high school and college
• Bolts Player Development
• Players continue with local rec/travel teams and unite for monthly practices
• Practices emphasize both skill-building and fun (e.g., slip-and-slide sliding drills)
• Brooke’s focus: being a mentor beyond parents—“I believe in you. You belong.”
• Funding Challenges
• Florida Bolts is a nonprofit, relying on donations, fundraisers, and sponsorships
• Past support included the Tampa Bay Rays, but funding has decreased in recent years
• Current fundraiser: 50/50 raffle plus sponsorship opportunities
• Upcoming Opportunity: The Barclay Cup in Australia
• Bolts are the first international team invited to this prestigious tournament
• Event happens in just over a month—historic opportunity to bridge U.S. and Australian girls’ baseball
• Sponsorships and donations needed to cover travel, lodging, tournament fees, and uniforms
• How to Support the Florida Bolts
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/floridabolts 
• & Instagram: Florida Bolts Baseball - https://www.instagram.com/florida_bolts_girls_baseball/
• Email: [email protected]
• Donations/Sponsorships: via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal (details on Facebook page)
• 50/50 raffle currently active
• Closing Message from Brooke
• Goal is to create opportunities and support girls in baseball
• Sponsorships, donations, and even sharing posts online make a difference
• “Baseball isn’t just for boys anymore—girls can do this.”

Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino

• Mark welcomes guest Mike Baluja, who Mark calls, Mr. West Tampa”
• Baluja businessman, songwriter, and baseball historian.
• Conversation centers on the Little League World Series and the rich baseball history of West Tampa.
• The Alessi Bakers baseball team & Joe Magadan
• The rise and changes of West Tampa Little League since the 1960s.
• Community roots in immigrant cigar families and neighborhood culture.
• Legendary players from the area, including Lou Piniella, Tony La Russa, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, David Mgadan, and more.
• Ricky Alfonso (“The Cat”) won 3 championships at Tampa Catholic High School - rained out in 1 championshiop
• How adversity in baseball has made Mike find new ways to work effectively
• Discussion on community bonds through baseball – from families in the stands to generational connections.
• Mike shares stories about his grandson Julian’s baseball journey, including playing in Batavia and transitioning into coaching.
• Conversation shifts to Mike’s songwriting career, his reflections on Tampa, and how he weaves faith and community into his music.
• Closing thoughts on how baseball, family, and faith intertwine to shape lasting memories and future opportunities.

Mike Baluja's music can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDd6iuGXDYGuVntiu-joe6g

You can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 

Rick Vaughn’s book "Tampa Spring Training Tales," brings the past to life  & opens up a wealth of enjoyable stories including the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Smokers, Reds, White Sox & Red Sox @ historic Plant & Al Lopez Fields
Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, Pete Rose and Al Lopez are just a few of the people we discuss this week on Florida BaseballBiz with Rick.

• “Chubby” Cubs owner is enamored with Tampa
• 100th years of Spring Training
• Tampa Mayor McKay was also Publisher
• Wrigley moves Cubs from Tampa to out West
• 1952 – Yankees celebrated their 50th anniversary at Columbia restaurant
• 1955 World Series winners receive their awards in Tampa
• Reds extraordinary long-lasting relationship with Tampa Bay
• Big Red Machine first gathers in Tampa
• Al Lopez Field tore down as interest in Major League team rises
• Yankees Core Four
• Wade Boggs discovers he is going to the show from Johnny Bench
• 100 Major Leaguers came through Plant Field & Al Lopez Field
• 1940 All-Star game in Tampa for Finnish Relief Fund with Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jimmy Foxx, Hank Greenberg and Bob Feller
• Segregation of players by color – they could not stay at the same hotels
• Cardinals bought Outrigger motel in St. Pete so they could house all players at 1 location
• Tampa Bay Hotel proximity to Plant Field
• Babe Ruth’s longest Home Run, 587 feet, hit at Plant Field on April 4, 1919
• Ted Williams spits at fans first in Tampa
• Tim Kurkjian of ESPN – good friend and sounding board
• Frank Howard & Ted Willams story
• Tampa Smokers, St. Pete Saints and a bull fight
• Baseball as a unifier amongst the many cultures in Ybor / Tampa
• 1963 – Pete Rose – Rookie Year – Charlie Hustle emerges
• JFK at Al Lopez Field
• Charitable work with Metropolitan Mission, Clearwater Youth & the Homeless Empowerment Program.
• Rick also keeps score for Florida Complex League

Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino
Notes generated in part by DeScript

Tony Ciccarello, a West Tampa native with deep baseball roots, talks about the role of baseball in the West Tampa community, where it’s woven into the local culture and heritage.

• Excitement of Baseball in Tampa with the Rays
• Growing Up with Baseball: baseball was integral to his upbringing, with influences from his father and community leaders
• "Baseball Was My Life" Book Discussion: Mark and Tony discuss the book Baseball Was My Life, by Mary Jo Melone and Art Keeble
• West Tampa’s Baseball Successes: Tony shares the story of his Little League team, which was the first from Florida to reach the Little League World Series in 1967. 
• Cultural Unity Through Baseball: Mark and Tony touch on how baseball brought together diverse cultures in West Tampa, including families of immigrants -  Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and German communities.
• Little League World Series Memories
• Senior League Triumphs: In 1970, the core of Tony’s Little League team continued their success, winning the Senior League World Series in Gary, Indiana, against international teams from Europe, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
• West Tampa’s Legacy and Community Contributions: Tony talks about the image on the book cover, featuring men who built the West Tampa concession stand, including his father and former Tampa Mayor Nick Nuccio. 
• The Shift from Little League to Travel Ball: 
• Lifelong Friendships Formed Through Baseball: Tony expresses gratitude for the lifelong friendships he’s maintained with former teammates, highlighting the enduring bonds created through playing in West Tampa.
• Legacy of West Tampa Baseball and Community Spirit: 
• Series Commentary
• Community Roots & Family Connections 
• Saturday Night Games & Youth Baseball
• Long-Lasting Friendships (00:26:39)
• World Series 2024 & Rays 2020 Memories 
• Kevin Cash is a Genius
• The Value of Youth Sports Facilities 
• Reference Notes & Links
  • West Tampa Little League - https://www.thewesttampall.org/
  • Baseball Was My Life the Stories of West Tampa
    Melone, Mary Jo & Keeble, Art  https://hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S142C603382

Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino

Show Notes created in part by ChatGPT

• Mark introduces Tony Saladino Jr an educator, historian, baseball enthusiast, and advocate of the game
• Tony is highly respected in Tampa's baseball community and known for his contributions, including the Tony Saladino Senior Tournament.
• Tony's Baseball Beginnings:
• Tony fell in love with baseball in Ybor City, inspired by Al Lopez.
•  He played in a recreational league before Little Leagues existed, directed by Andrew Espolita, who also influenced Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa.
• Hillsborough County's Baseball Legacy:
• Hillsborough County boasts over 95 baseball players who made it to Major League Baseball.
• Tony reminisces about the vibrant baseball culture and the facilities like Cuscaden Park in Ybor City.
• Personal Connections and Memorabilia:
• Tony shares personal stories and mementos from his home, including connections to Wade Boggs and the Al Lopez statue project.
• He recounts memories of Al Lopez and the impact of the Al Lopez Field
• Tony Saladino Senior Tournament:
• Founded in honor of Tony's father, the tournament has been running for 44 years.
• The tournament started with 11 teams and now features 42 teams from Hillsborough County.
•  The Saladino family, especially Tony's wife, Bertha, played a crucial role in hosting scouts and supporting the tournament's success.
• Community and Support:
  • The Saladino family provided free admission, programs, and home-cooked meals for scouts 
  • The tournament became a significant scouting event, known nationwide for its hospitality and talent showcase
• Expansion and Collaboration:
  • The Tampa Bay Rays front office proposed moving the Saladino championship game to Tropicana Field 
  • Tony suggested an All-Star game between Hillsborough and Pinellas County instead.
  • The All-Star game continues to strengthen community ties and promote local talent.
• Notable Players and Awards:
  • The tournament has seen many players go on to Major League Baseball, including Doc Gooden and Dave Magadan. 
  • Tony recounts the story of Dave Magadan signing his Alabama scholarship at Tony's home.
• University of Tampa's Success:
  • Tony shares the pride of seeing his grandson, Nico Saladino, play as a shortstop for the University of Tampa (UT)
  • UT victory in the NCAA Division II World Series.
• Legacy and Future:
  • Saladino's son now manages the tournament, continuing the family tradition. 
  • Tony reflects on his lifelong dedication to baseball a
  • His motto: "I'm slowing down, but I'm not stopping."
• Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino
• Show Notes created in part by ChatGPT

Buddy Baseball, Executive Director, Russ Oberbroeckling, shares the history & joyful stories of the Buddy Baseball League, a league for children with special needs

• Dave Wills' contributions to Buddy Baseball
• A non-competitive, recreational sport experience
• Players age range: 8-22, Buddies age range: 10-22

Establishment of Buddy Baseball 

• 16 years of Buddy Baseball in Temple Terrace
• Current participation: 20 teams, 160-180 players, similar number of buddies
• First year Buddy Baseball had 6 teams, 36 players, 38 buddies
• Support from Temple Terrace Parks and Rec department 

Growth and Facilities

• Expansion from 1 to 3 fields, with plans for another synthetic turf field
• Synthetic turf fields to accommodate wheelchairs & walkers
• Registration fees: $30 for players, $15 for buddies,
• Games include Announcers, walk-up music, national anthem

Community Involvement

• Game day volunteers for setup and support
• Annual background checks of coaches
• Off-season events: bowling, bingo, end-of-season parties
• Scholarship program available for some Buddies

.Memorable Moments:

• Everyone cheers for everyone, it's non-competitive & aimed at ensuring kids have fun
• Dave Wills Positive announcing - created special moments for players
• Emphasis on fun: if the ball reaches the outfield grass, it's a home run, and any hit is a fair ball
• Kids with various disabilities, including blind players and those with cerebral palsy, enjoying and participating in games.
• Special moments, a blind child hitting the ball or a girl with cerebral palsy "running" to home plate.

More than baseball:

• Buddy Baseball isn't just about baseball games.
• Upcoming activities: Bowling event before school starts, with prizes, face painting, balloon twisters, and more.
• End of season parties and additional summer activities like bingo.

Tampa Bay Rays:

• Rays support: hosting 100 kids and families at games, baseball magic clinics at Tropicana Field
• Special Magic Mondays: Kids invited on the field before games for a unique experience.
• Rays' events include field activities and meeting players like Shane McClanahan and Randy Arozarena

Tampa Baseball Museum will offer free admission to anyone in Buddy Baseball program who visits & states that they are part of Buddy Baseball 

Importance of Community and Inclusion:

• Creates a sense of community & inclusion for kids with special needs.
• Camaraderie extends beyond the field to birthday parties, graduation parties, and other social events.
• Register your child at buddybaseball.org.
• Games are no more than an hour long, everyone bats and is safe, 
• Need for volunteers: announcers, game day setup, and breakdown help.
• Encouraging the community to support through volunteering or donations.
• The importance of Buddy Baseball and the impact it has on the children and their families.
• Encouragement for listeners to get involved, volunteer, and support this fantastic initiative.

Contact Information:

• Learn more at: buddybaseball.org for registration, deadlines and volunteer opportunities.

Florida BaseballBiz can be found on Apple, Itunes, Spotify, Iheartradio & https://floridabaseballbiz.buzzsprout.com/
Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino
Notes generated in part by DeScript

Florida Baseball State Champs Tampa Jesuit Coach Miguel Menendez

• Grew up in Key West.
• First introduction to baseball through his grandfather and father.
• Grandfather coached Little League and had the first batting cage and pitching machine on the island.
• Playing and Coaching Career in Key West
• Played on successful high school teams, winning a state championship in his senior year. 
• Attended University of Tampa to play baseball 
• Key West to start coaching & teaching, eventually becoming head coach.
• Transition to Tampa Jesuit
• Tampa Jesuit provided a perfect fit for his faith life, family, and baseball aspirations. 
• Emphasis on Jesuit's support and facilities.
• Success at Tampa Jesuit
• Played in five state championships in nine years. 
• 2020 season impacted by COVID-19, it was their best team.
• Coaching Philosophy and Challenges
• Emphasis on holistic development of player
•  focusing on producing good citizens and human beings.
•  Open door policy for communication with parent
• Importance of building lifelong relationships with players. 
• Faith plays a crucial role in his coaching career and personal life. 
• Decision to move to Tampa Jesuit was also to benefit his family.
• Communication with Parents
  • Advocates for over-communication to avoid confusion and build trust.\
  • Understands parents' perspective as a father of 3 children involved in sports.
• Long-term Impact
  • Cherishes ongoing relationships with former players who reach out for guidance. 
  • Highlights the importance of lifelong connections beyond high school.
• Player Development and Success
  • Mentions former players succeeding at the collegiate and professional levels.
  • Pride in seeing former players succeed both on and off the field.
• Community and Legacy
  • Reflects on the legacy of Al Lopez and his contributions to baseball and the Hispanic community.
  • Personal connection to the local baseball history and its impact on his coaching career.

·  Importance of Jesuit Values

• Emphasis on students at Jesuit developing success in sports and beyond
• Sports as a tool for social interaction and teamwork
• Lifelong lessons from sports
• Back-to-back Tony Saladino tournament championships

·  Notable Alumni & Role Models  F

• Camden Minacci in the Angels organization
• Progression from freshman team to potential major league pitcher
•  Testimony to work ethic and personal growth
• Bennett Lee’s influence and contributions 
• Introduction of book club to foster team culture
• Alumni involvement in current team’s development
   Financial Accessibility
• Jesuit’s need-based financial aid and the step-up program
• Value of Jesuit education
• Cutting son from the team
• Difficult decision but ultimately beneficial for his son
• Life lessons learned and application beyond baseball

·  Guidance for Players

• Helping players navigate college recruitment & career opportunities
• Importance of character development over just athletic performance
• Jesuit baseball approach in developing well-rounded individuals
• The importance of making difficult decisions for the greater good of the team and individual growth
• Great fellow coaches and friends Tim Knowles, Mike Swenson, Louie Martinez, Ryan Stanley, Daniel Gibson, Terry Rupp

Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino
Notes generated in part by DeScript

Florida Bolts 5 teams give young girls from 8 to 18 the opportunity to play in all girl baseball tournaments. Brooke & Lily Greene share their stories about their team and more possibilities for women in the game like the BFA Nationals.   

• Brooke and Lily Greene, who are involved with the Florida Bolts girls' baseball organization, discussing their passion for women and girls' baseball.
• Brooke Greene took over the Florida Bolts organization in January 2022.
• She was introduced to girls' baseball by a friend and was surprised by the number of girls interested in the sport.
• Started with one team and now has five teams,
• Importance of girls playing in both all-girl tournaments & local leagues to raise awareness about girls playing baseball.
• Cost prohibitive nature of travel ball and how the Florida Bolts try to keep costs low through sponsorships and fundraising.
• Lily hopes for the game to grow and be more welcoming to women.
• Brooke's love for baseball stems from her family's involvement 

Building Support for Women's Baseball

• Need for more support and visibility for women's baseball, suggesting the creation of a separate women's league.
• Brooke encourages perseverance in the face of challenges, emphasizing the talent and dedication of girls in baseball.

Future Outlook

• Lily aims for a baseball scholarship or a career in sports management.
• Brooke envisions retired MLB players with daughters investing in women's baseball to propel it forward.
• Potential impact of Derek Jeter's involvement in supporting women's baseball, highlighting the need for strong leadership and collaboration to advance the sport.

Challenges in Women's Baseball

• Lack of cohesiveness among girls' baseball organizations, noting the presence of several independent teams without a unified goal.
• Importance of collaboration and a shared vision to establish a women's baseball league

Florida Bolts' Activities

• BFA Nationals in Kentucky,  & the DMV series in Maryland.
• Team's efforts to host an all-girls baseball clinic sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays, aimed at promoting the sport and providing skills training to participants.

Future Outlook Florida Bolts

• Need a Summit akin to MLB's winter meetings to bring together various women's baseball organizations
• Importance of fundraising and sponsorships for the Florida Bolts
• Lily encourages perseverance and dedication, urging listeners to stay true to themselves and keep pushing forward.
• Brooke reiterates the need for continued momentum and collaboration to make women's baseball a reality, emphasizing the impact of community support in achieving this goal.
• Discover more about the Florida Bolts Girls Baseball teams and support them @ www.floridabolts.squarespace.com
  Or reach out to them at [email protected]

Mark can be found on Twitter @TheBaseballBiz & at
Special Thank you to
William Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the Music
Makie Elkino
Originally broadcast on March 25, 2024  on BaseballBiz On Deck

 

Author, Rick Vaughn, "100 years of Baseball on St. Petersburg's Waterfront. How the Game Helped Shape a City" discusses Al Lang & the evolution of MLB Spring Training in St. Pete. Rick’s front office career spans the Orioles, Redskins & Vice President of Communications with the Tampa Bay Rays. #RaysUp

• Baltimore, rolling out Camden Yards
•  Rick's book of baseball stories  -  "100 years of Baseball on St. Petersburg's Waterfront. How the Game Helped Shape a City"
• Al moved to St. Petersburg for his health & fell in love with the community
• Brought the best teams to St Petersburg - Boston Braves, New York Yankees, St Louis Cardinals & . . . 
• Keeping it fresh - Boston Braves depart St Pete on Tuesday & Al has a new team, the St. Cardinals in place by Saturday
• Babe Ruth's Train
• Tampa paid Cubs to bring their spring training to the city 
• Al Lang, philanthropy
• The Depression, Spring Training & the impact on St. Pete
• Babe Ruth & St. Pete, a love affair
• Yankees moved team from New Orleans to turn down the Babe’s night life
• All Children’s hospital recipient of Ruth’s generosity
• Minor League Map of Florida - watching up & coming players 
• 1968 - 29 future Hall of Famers in Al Lang Field 
• 90 Tampa natives that have played Major League Baseball
• Seaver & Gooden both playing in Tampa high schools simultaneously
•  minor league players in Tampa - Justin Crawford with the Threshers
• 1960 the death of Al Lang
• Fighting Segregation in Tampa Bay Baseball - Bill White & Dr. Ralph Wimbish, 
• Cardinals brought all players, managers & families under one roof in St. Pete 
• Did Florida lose spring training teams to Arizona due to segregation?
• Al Lang & Rick Vaughn strong champions of the game
• prepping for the launch of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
• Buck Showalter or Socha could have possibly been the first Rays GM
• Rays original Owner & GM had not worked in baseball
• What makes a great ballpark experience in an outdoor open ballpark
• Rays future stadium should honor the past & deliver a park with modern day amenities
• Build a Rays stadium in Ybor reflecting the history of Ybor & the cigar factories
• Tampa Bay needs a champion for baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays
• Wade Boggs stories at Al Lopez field & Tino Martinez working in cigar factory
• Tampa baseball with the Cubs & Red Sox
• Augustus Busch Jr, owner of St. Louis Cardinals brought Busch Gardens to Tampa

Rick's book on Amazon @
"100 years of Baseball on St. Petersburg's Waterfront. How the Game Helped Shape a City"
Please like, subscribe and remark. Let us know your thoughts about the show.
Special Thanks to  William Ross Chernoff's Nomads for Makie Elkino
Originally broadcast on July 28, 2023 on BaseballBiz On Deck

Josh Weaver, Managing Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Museum & Fan Host with the Tampa Bay Rays shares his Opening Day at the Trop and a visit to the Tampa Baseball Museum

• Opening Day with the Tampa Bay Rays
•  Start with dropping the banner for the 2022 AL Wild Card
•  “Big Game” James Shields – throwing out the opening pitch
•  Shields, Carl Crawford & Joe Maddon were pivotal to the franchise turnaround
•  Opening Day talent brought the excitement - Wander Franco, Jose Siri, Manuel Margot & World Baseball Classic star, Randy Arozarena
•  Rays Talent continues & Kevin Cash keeps the engine running
•  Cash visited Siri at home during off-season
•  Owner, Stu Sternberg visited with the Fan Host pre-game to share his appreciation
•  "Baseball is Back" All smiles on Opening Day - Detroit & Rays Fans enjoying the game
•  Young fan shares an Opening Day ball from a Detroit Tiger player on the field
•  Baseball bridges all languages with fans
•  Creating a safe and memorable experience for a first time visit to a ball field
•  Former Tampa Bay Ray, Austin Meadows – a fan favorite who has become an advocate for mental health
• Former Ray, Ben Zobrist, might work on a project for young athletes and mental health
• Don (ZimBear) Zimmer will be inducted into the Ray's Hall of Fame
• Carl “The Catch” Crawford’s speed can be seen in Wander Franco & Siri
  
  
• Tampa Baseball Museum (TBM) teams up with East Bay Youth Athletics Little League & Malcolm Sweat 
• Florida Sports Hall of Fame & TBM threw a special event  
• Baseball, Bourbon & Cigars - Fans had 1 on 1 experiences with sports legends,  Johnny Damon, Mike Heath, Buc’s Super Bowl champions & NHL Hockey legend – Phil Esposito
• A walk through the Tampa Baseball Museum and the home of Al Lopez
• Tampa is full of World Series champions and great players like Gary Sheffield, Tino Martinez, Pete Alonso, Doc Gooden, Lance McCullers Jr. to name a few.
• Great and unexpected guests that visit the museum and share their stories
• 2 Tampa Bay area players, Lance McCullers & Kyle Tucker from 2022 Astros World Series champions 
• 25 Yeas Ago – Tampa natives, Luis Gonzales & Wade Boggs broke in the first Tampa Bay Rays games
• Josh invites everyone to visit the Tampa Baseball Museum  to play Trivia games and see “Pete’s Cleats” plus the Wall of Legendary autographed balls  

Tampa Baseball Museum is open Thursday, Friday & Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM  https://www.tampabaseballmuseum.org/
For more information on Mental Health  reach out to the National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI)
Thanks to Malcolm Sweat for all that he and his team does for baseball youth at East Bay Youth Athletics Little League

Mark can be found on Twitter @TheBaseballBiz & at
Special Thank you to
William Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the Music
Makie Elkino