When Tony Saladino III looked upon Red Berry's Baseball World in Miami, he saw kids learning the fundamentals of the game while learning about life.
He also saw a way to extend the lifelong marriage between baseball and his family.
Tony Saladino Jr.'s name has been synonymous with high school baseball for decades. Along with his wife, Bertha, the couple annually stages a nationally renowned tournament for Hillsborough County schools, and also recognizes the county's top player in a special ceremony at their home.
Although it has been more than a decade since Tony III spent two years at Red Berry's, he never let go of the dream of having a similar school in Brandon.
Now, he says, the timing is right for the Saladino Baseball Academy.
"My dad found his niche in baseball and I've always wanted to find a way to follow in his footsteps," Tony III said. "This may be my way."
The younger Saladino will join Donny Scolaro, a former Brandon High standout and 1990 Saladino Tournament MVP, to launch the academy in June. The organization will begin with 10 summer sessions at South Brandon Little League.
Both directors have coached Little League and Amateur Athletic Union teams for more than 10 years. Scolaro, who went on to play for Florida Southern and the Astros organization, brings a wealth of knowledge. Tony III also has extensive playing experience.
It also helps to have the Saladino name.
"The respect for Mr. Saladino has made our job quite a bit easier," Scolaro said. "We're getting a lot of support from the community."
The academy also will include softball instruction from Melissa Sigmon, a Plant coach and former Brandon High catcher. Former University of South Florida coach Eddie Cardieri will work as a private instructor with the academy, particularly with older kids.
Yet Tony III and Scolaro stressed that their academy won't be just for exceptional players.
"If the kid with the least baseball ability progresses, then all the others will progress," Tony III said. "This is going to be about building a child's confidence through sports."
Unlike other baseball camps, the sessions will transition into an after-school program in August. It will operate out of Foundation Christian Academy in Lithia.
As for Tony Jr., his role remains undefined but he's willing to help. At 72, he just survived a health scare with doctors correcting blockages in his heart, but he remains spry.
"When he was at Red Berry's, I saw his eyes light up," Tony Jr. said of his son. "It became his dream and I knew some day he would do it. He has a knack for the game and a knack for working with kids.
"I'm not going to interfere, but I told him if he needs me, I'm here."
Ernest Hooper can be reached at hooper@sptimes.com or 226-3406.
. fast facts
Saladino Baseball Academy
Where: South Brandon Little League, 600 S Parsons Ave.
When: June 9-Aug. 15
Directors: Tony Saladino III, Donny Scolaro; softball, Melissa Sigmon
Ages: 6-14
More information: www.SaladinoBase ballAcademy.com
News
