• 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

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