Florida BaseballBiz

Mark Corbett sits down with Genelle Garverick to explore the rich sports history of Tampa's West Tampa, Ybor City, and DeSoto Park communities, with a special focus on Genelle's legendary mother, Mochine Mercedes Fernandez.

Growing Up in Palmetto Beach, DeSoto Park & Ybor City

• Genelle attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), a K-12 Catholic school in Ybor City
• Began playing city/playground sports around age 6
• OLPH fielded competitive girls' volleyball and basketball teams despite small rosters (10-12 players)
• Memorable road trip to St. Leo to play on a sloped outdoor cement basketball court; missed shots rolled downhill

Tampa's City Playground Sports System

• Tampa Parks Department ran a highly competitive playground league with citywide championships in softball and basketball
• Kids traveled across the city to compete at other playgrounds
• Summer championship days featured a wide variety of sports: baseball, softball, marbles, and more
• Genelle reflects that this community-centered model was one of the best environments for children's development

**Mochine Mercedes Fernandez | A Legendary Sports Leader

• Served as Park Director at DeSoto Park for approximately 20 years
• Multi-sport athlete: basketball, volleyball, softball; played into her 40s
• Mochine named Tampa Bay Sportswoman of the Year (1963)
• Earned all-state honors in basketball
• Played on the Sea Breeze-sponsored softball team
• Competed against retired professional men baseball players at Al Lang Field on Sundays
• Known for her tenacity at home plate as a catcher; once tagged out a sliding player and then got a congratulatory hug
• Compared to legendary catchers-turned-leaders like Al Lopez and Kevin Cash

The Trip to Havana, Cuba (~1953)

• Mochine organized and funded a trip for a girls' softball team to compete in Havana
• Raised $1,000 (no small feat in 1953) entirely through community donations; businesses had their names printed on the team's uniforms
• The team stayed in private homes in an affluent Havana neighborhood, free of charge while traveling in Havana
• Defeated all the Cuban girls' teams, and then beat the boys' teams too
• For most players, it was their first time on a plane and outside of Florida

Community Pillars: Spicola Family & Sea Breeze Restaurant

• The Spicola family lived across from DeSoto Park; they sponsored a softball team and supported community families in need
• Sea Breeze Restaurant (Licata family) was a beloved neighborhood seafood spot, famous for fresh shrimp and devil crabs
• Genelle's family had a standing Friday dinner-and-drive-in tradition at Sea Breeze

Jean Cerra Connection

• Jean Cerra (previous podcast guest) and Genelle attended OLPH together
• They reunited by chance in a Columbia, Missouri grocery store years later
• Cerra became head of physical education at Stephens College, then the first Associate Women's Athletic Director at the University of Missouri
• Cerra was instrumental in early Title IX organization efforts at the national level

Women's Sports Then & Now

• Genelle worked in women's athletics administration at Purdue University post-graduate school
• Attended a pivotal early meeting in Colorado where women's sports leaders debated joining the NCAA; concerns centered on losing autonomy
• Title IX marked a turning point, but Genelle believes women's sports still needs greater investment, media coverage, and professional opportunities
• Reflects fondly on the Tampa Tribune's extensive coverage of local playground sports, a contrast to today's fragmented media landscape

The Garverick Family's Athletic Legacy

• Genelle and her husband Alan have three children: two daughters and a son (Phil)
• All three became competitive swimmers due to their oldest daughter's asthma treatment
• Phil swam on scholarship at University of Missouri and now coaches a swim team in Canada
• Allison was accepted at Duke; Stacy swam for Washington University in St. Louis

Notable Mentions

- Senaida "Shoo Shoo" Worth | Ybor City native who played for South Bend Blue Sox

- Margaret Magadan Piniella | Lou Piniella's mother; also appeared frequently in Tampa sports archives

- Olympia Diaz | another Tampa-area sports woman who became a park director elsewhere

- Al Lopez | Tampa native catcher who managed the White Sox and Cleveland Indians to the World Series

- Sue Zipay | organized a women's baseball showcase in Sarasota featuring Olympic-caliber women baseball players

Resources mentioned in show

• Article about Mochine Fernandez by Janet Ball Watts, published in Cigar City Magazine
• Previous episode featuring Jean Cerra
• USA Women's Baseball Tournament | Rockford, Illinois (home of the Rockford Peaches)

Closing Thought Mochine Fernandez exemplified community leadership through sport: feeding families, funding travel, coaching reluctant players out of bed, and opening doors for girls who had never left Florida. Her legacy lives on through the women she inspired, including Jean Cerra's Title IX work and Genelle Garverick's own career in collegiate sports administration.

Episode: The Tampa Baseball Museum with Josh Weaver

Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain
Guest: Josh Weaver, Curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum

Episode Overview

Mark and Mat sit down with returning guest Josh Weaver, curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum, to discuss the museum's history, community outreach, future modernization ideas, and the incredible depth of major league baseball talent that has come out of Hillsborough County, Florida.

Key Topics Covered

The Tampa Baseball Museum

• Located in a historic 1905 casita (home) in Ybor City — the former home of Al Lopez, the first player from Tampa to reach the major leagues
• One of only four museums in the U.S. housed in a player's actual birthplace or home (alongside the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum in Greenville, SC, and the Hank Aaron Museum in Mobile, AL)
• Focuses on Hillsborough County baseball history, not just the city of Tampa
• Currently features 121 players born or raised in Hillsborough County who made it to the major leagues, with 89 baseballs on the "baseball wall"
• Four Hall of Famers with Hillsborough County ties: Al Lopez, Wade Boggs, Tony La Russa, and Fred McGriff

Community Outreach

• Mobile museum that travels to little league opening/closing day ceremonies and local events
• Sponsors teams in West Tampa Little League
• Uses artifacts (like Tino Martinez's 2000 World Series jersey) to spark intergenerational baseball conversations
• Partners with local mascots (King Ripple, Finley, SouthPaw) for reading events at schools and libraries
• Hosts intimate "Coach's Corner" events featuring retired players and coaches (e.g., Larry Rothschild, David Magadan, Joe Maddon, Roberto Hernandez)

The Reading Series

• Josh has written a children's book on Baltimore's Camden Yards
• Upcoming releases: children's biographies of local judge and former minor leaguer Robin Fuson, and MLB veteran David Magadan
• Players have full review and editorial control over their books

Future Ideas Discussed

• Virtual reality and holographic technology to modernize the museum experience and attract younger visitors
• A "sandlot game" concept: retired MLB players vs. current regional coaches, to bridge generations and grow community engagement
• Preserving memories of the Tropicana Field via 360° VR before the venue changes
• Collaboration with other small baseball museums (Ty Cobb Museum, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum) for cross-museum events

Notable Players & Names Mentioned
Al Lopez, Wade Boggs, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, Fred McGriff, Tony La Russa, Lou Piniella, Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker, Preston Tucker, Kevin Cash, Brett Phillips, Logan Gilbert, Caglianone, David Magadan, Roberto Hernandez, Joe Maddon, Pop Cuesta, Pete Mulry, Nardi Contreras, Chuck Hernandez, Manny Seoane, Robin Fuson, Randy Myers, Clint Hurdle, Arminda Mata (CEO, Ybor Society)

Resources & Links

• Tampa Baseball Museum website: Search "Tampa Baseball Museum"
• Facebook / Instagram: Follow Tampa Baseball Museum for upcoming events and the newsletter
• Previous episode: Arminda Mata, CEO of the Ybor City Museum Society
• Previous episode: Robin Fuson (judge/former minor leaguer)
• Book mention: Baseball and the Law by Lou Schiff (features Robin Fuson and Tony La Russa)

Florida BaseballBiz is your home for stories, history, and the business of baseball in the Sunshine State.

Interview with Arminda Mata, CEO & President, Tampa Baseball Museum / Ybor Museum Society

Host: Mark Corbett

Episode Summary Mark sits down with Arminda Mata to explore the deep roots of baseball in Tampa's Ybor City — from the cigar factories of the 1880s to the formation of the first Cigar City League in 1913, and how that history shaped generations of Major League talent.

Key Topics

• Buildings Alive Celebration — The 14th annual event showcasing Ybor City's historic buildings and history.
• Ybor City's Origins — Vicente Martinez Ybor relocated his cigar business from Cuba to Key West and ultimately Tampa in the 1880s, sparking explosive population growth (800 to 15,000 in 15 years).
• The Mutual Aid Societies — Six immigrant societies (Italian Club, Centro Español, Centro Asturiano, El Circulo Cubano, Sociedad La Unión Martí-Maceo, German American Club) provided banking, insurance, healthcare, social activities, and even cemeteries — from birth to grave.
• The Cigar Industry Boom — Spanish, Cuban, Sicilian, Jewish, and German immigrants built a massive cigar trade producing over a million cigars per week, with the King of Spain buying exclusively from Cuesta-Rey.
• Baseball's Beginnings in Tampa — Amateur teams formed around cigar companies and local businesses. On May 30, 1913, the first Cigar City League was formally organized, with Cuesta-Rey winning the inaugural championship.
• The Inter-Social League (1940s) — Mutual aid societies formed teams that played against each other, bringing diverse communities together through baseball.
• Tampa's Baseball Legends — Al Lopez (first Tampa-born Hall of Famer), Lou Piniella, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Doc Gooden, Gary Sheffield, and the family connections between them.
• Negro Leagues in Tampa — The first Negro Association in Tampa started May 23, 1885. Billy Reed, coach at Hillsborough High School, played for the Tampa Bay Rockets.
• Accessibility of Baseball Today — Discussion on the cost of attending games and the value of supporting minor league teams (Tarpons, Flying Tigers, Threshers) and local college/high school ball.
• The Tampa Baseball Museum's Mission — Mobile museum programs in schools and senior facilities, researching forgotten names and family connections, and preserving Tampa's unique baseball heritage.

Notable Names Mentioned Al Lopez, Lou Piniella, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Doc Gooden, Gary Sheffield, Dave Magadan, Lance McCullers Sr. & Jr., Billy Reed, Senaida Shoo Shoo Wirth, Jane Leavy, Janet Marie Smith, Joe Maddon, Wes Singletary, Junior Caminero, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones

Links & Resources

• Tampa Baseball Museum: tampabaseballmuseum.org

Wes Singletary talks about growing up in Tampa, Al Lopez, neighborhood ballfields, American Legion Baseball, The Negro Leagues, Red Barber & 

• Meeting Red Barber
• Wes shares a memorable story of meeting legendary broadcaster Red Barber while at Florida State
• Barber’s weekly Friday show with Bob Edwards  on NPR Morning Edition
• Florida’s First Big League Baseball Players
• Al Lopez sparked Wes’ research into the earliest major leaguers born in Florida
• Tampa Baseball Museum & Wes’ Books
• Mark reflects on discovering Wes’ works at the museum, including:
• Al Lopez: The Life of Baseball's El Senor
• The Right Time: John Henry "Pop" Lloyd and Black Baseball
• Florida’s First Big League Baseball Players
• The Tampa Baseball Museum continues to carry Wes’ books year-round.
  https://www.tampabaseballmuseum.org/ 
• Tampa’s Outsized Baseball Legacy
• West Tampa & Ybor has produced a wealth of legendary players and coaches—from Tony La Russa and Lou Piniella to Tino Martinez and Luis Gonzalez—and why many outsiders still underestimate the city’s baseball history.
• American Legion Baseball Turns 100
  • Centennial of American Legion baseball, 
  • American Legion ball in small towns
  • Legion baseball predates Little League by more than a decade.
• Rays, Yankees, and Local Loyalties
  • Why Yankees spring training in Tampa complicates local loyalties
  • How transplants shape Rays attendance
  • What it might take to shift support toward Tampa’s home team
• Bitsy Mott, Colonel Parker and Elvis
• Al Lopez vs. Casey Stengel - great stories from the 1954 and 1959 pennant races—including Stengel’s legendary quips 
• Show Stopper – Al Lopez was the only manager to interrupt the Yankees’ dominance.
• Hall of Fame a Swing & a Miss - Wes & Mark Question the Veterans/Eras Committee on omitting Lou Piniella by 1 vote from the Hall of Fame
• A visit to Lou Piniella’s house & a lifetime memory – Young Wes receives a baseball signed by Munson, Hunter, and more

Discover more about Wes and his books at :  https://bit.ly/481acjG
Mark at  [email protected], at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 

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

• 🏙️ Deep Tampa Roots: Jamie shares his family’s history coming from Sicily and Cuba in the early 1900s and their place in Tampa’s rich cultural and baseball heritage.
• ⚾ A Grandfather’s Impact: Stories of his grandfather Emilio Almeida — a true baseball guru — who taught generations of kids the finer points of the game and inspired a lifelong passion for baseball.
• 🧢 Little League Champion: How Emilio turned a ragtag team of “misfits” with no uniforms into league champions through strategy, fundamentals, and love for the game.
• 📚 Baseball IQ from the Start: Lessons on situational thinking, strategy, and positioning that shaped Jamie’s approach as a catcher from Little League through high school and beyond.
• 🧠 Catcher’s Perspective: Jamie breaks down the mental side of catching — calling pitches, building trust with pitchers, reading hitters, and managing the whole field.
• 📈 From Leto High to College: How Jamie’s baseball instincts and independence on the field set him apart, earning trust to call his own games and lead from behind the plate.
• 🧐 Seeing the Game Differently: Jamie explains how he still watches baseball — looking for tells, strategy, and subtle signs that others miss — and how he passes that knowledge on to younger players.
• 💬 Coaching the Next Generation: His approach to teaching not just mechanics but hitting philosophy, game awareness, and understanding the strike zone.
• FSU Roots & Baseball Memories: 
  • Touring FSU’s baseball locker room and seeing tributes to Buster Posey and Cal Raleigh 
  • Comparing old-school locker rooms to today’s luxury setups
• From the Diamond to the Firehouse - Transitioning from college baseball to a 26-year career with Tampa Fire Rescue
  • Joining the Tampa Fire softball team, winning tournaments, and competing in the World Police & Fire Games
• Family Legacy in Baseball - Growing up in a baseball-rich family with deep Tampa roots 
• Cousin Joe Urso, legendary head coach at the University of Tampa (multiple national championships) 
• Continuing the family’s passion for the game through coaching and mentoring
• Honoring Shu Shu Wirth  -  Remembering Senaida “Shu Shu” Wirth, Jamie’s cousin and AAGPBL All-Star with the South Bend Blue Sox
  • Her incredible speed, arm, and fearless play — leading the league in stolen bases
  • Preserving her story and legacy for future generations
• Passing the Torch - Coaching his daughters in softball and seeing them succeed in other sports 
• Reflecting on intensity as a youth coach and the lasting positive impact on former players
• Baseball Legends & Local Icons
  Remembering Tampa baseball figure Tony Saladino and his lasting community impact
•  Family connections to Hillsborough H.S. star and Dodgers signee Don Corson 
• Meeting Brooklyn Dodgers legend Sandy Amorós thanks to his grandfather
• Cuscaden Park & Tampa’s Cuban Baseball Heritage
  Recalling packed stands for games between Tampa Smokers & Cuban teams 
• Championship Memories
  • Leading a ragtag Little League team to a title through fundamentals, repetition, and strategy 
  • How his grandfather’s teaching turned kids into real ballplayers

Key Themes: Baseball heritage, family legacy, coaching wisdom, Tampa baseball history, honoring women’s baseball pioneers

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

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

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 Magadan, 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