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.

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