Panteliodis collects Boggs award

Alonso senior Alex Panteliodis (center), recepient of the third annual Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, poses with Boggs (left) and county commissioner Brian Blair (Photo courtesy of Stacy Williams/Hillsborough County) 

Alonso senior Alex Panteliodis arrived at the County Center Building downtown on coat-and-tie detail for the latest stop on his postseason awards tour.

But receiving the third-annual Wade Boggs Award was different, first because he got to meet the Hall of Fame third baseman the honor is named after. But in addition, Panteliodis took pride in the award because it was given by the county commission for not only athletics, but academic accomplishments and community service.

"I never would have thought about winning this award," Panteliodis said. "I'm just very proud to win it. All my family and friends pushed me to do good things. I'm just very happy. ... This pushes me too strive for bigger and better things."

Panteliodis, a UF signee, was 9-2 this season and won 20 straight decisions, a run than went back to his freshman season. He also owns a 3.8 unweighted GPA and is a member of Alonso's Science Honors Club. He's also collected more than 100 community service hours, helping to coach his younger brother's Town N' Country youth baseball team for the past six years.

"Whenever I can get it in, I go over there to help him out," Panteliodis said.

In spare time, he will help out the Town N' County Little League, working the gates, getting the fields ready and working the concession stands. On Sundays, Panteliodis also volunteers with a Safety Harbor power soccer league that allows paraplegics in power wheelchairs to play soccer on a basketball court.

"It's awesome," Panteliodis said. "It's amazing."

It was the second time an Alonso player won the award. Pitcher Tommy Toledo, now at Florida, won last year's award.

"I thought that was awesome, going back to back like that, and we're both going to Florida on top of that," Panteliodis said.

Plant senior first baseman Preston Tucker (left in photo), who will play with Panteliodis and Toledo at Florida, and Durant middle infielder Taed Moses (right) also received honorable mention recogintion.

The honorees were selected by a seven-person committee nominated by county commissioners. Included in the committee were Saladino Tournament founder Tony Saladino and Cambridge football/baseball coach Rick Shears.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Comments

Way to go Alex!!!! the Mende Family

[PHS]

GO TUCK! #1 Hitter

Tuck is definitely better looking

Wow, Wade Boggs hair looks really good!

Last time I checked it was Jamie Mallard that was the #1 hitter around here. Jaime is overrated, and Preston couldn't hold Jaime's jock strap.

I'm sorry but hasn't Tucker led Jamie in every offensive category over the past two years?

Uuummm, no he hasn't. Not counting the
"9" extra games Preston had this year. I think Jaime would get more then 5 hits in them extra games, he would have hit more then 1 double in them "9" extra games, he would've probably hit more then 2 HR in them "9" extra games. Out of 9 major offensive categories for this year,INCLUDING Plants "9" extra games, Jaime leds in "5" of them. If Jaime had them extra games this year,he would have led Preston in atleast 8 of the 9. Preston might've beaten him in
just the RBI category. So no, Preston couldn't hold Jamie's jock.

There goes them Plant people, they have one good year, not great, but good and they think their kids are the best. Plant people, ya'll are funny.

First of all tucker played only 5 more games than jamie. 1 in saladino and 4 in the playoffs. And would jamie have hit more than 2 more homers?? How many did he hit in his last 10 games? thats right, 0

Don't even tell me that your trying to compare Preston with Jaime in the category of home runs. Your picking the wrong stat to be talking crap about.

My bad, it's 8 games. I'm off by 1, your off by 3.
MIDDLETON: 11-11=22 GAMES
PLANT: 25-5=30 GAMES

[wellswood]

Both of you are getting away from the subject of the thread, which is about
A.P.. The 11:33 post, I think your going to maxpreps to get your info and MIDDLETON hasn't reported all of its games. I think it is 5 games. On the other hand for 12:08 post, you did pick the wrong stat to compare. Your talking about Jaime Mallard and home runs. It is NOT even comparable. Jaime would blow Preston out the box with the most home runs in a year and the distance of them homeruns, if they played the same amount. Plus Jaime had no one to protect him like Preston did in the lineup. Jaime by a landslide.

Check this out,and this is in American English,Leto didn't even play .500 ball last year. So they won't be a factor at all next year. At best they will come in 4th place behind Jesuit,Hillsborough,and Chamberlain. If you don't understand what I typed, then learn ENGLISH

I agree that Leto won't be very strong. The only players that are coming back with any kind of game is Peraza and Leto.

[TC Dad]

Peraza and Leto are pretty good..But you didn't see them do work this past weekend on Alonso, Tampa Catholic, and Middleton...I hear they just got at least 3 transfers and more coming ...The days of under .500 at Leto is over..Jesuit = nothing Hillsborough is losing half there team to transfers, and Chamberlain has 1 kid worth anything with there best players graduating. Leto might not be #1 Plant is still going to be the top team but leto is a close 2nd and then maybe Jesuit. Don't count out Jefferson in that district they still have a few players that can play. Alonso will probably have another player get the Boggs award next year in Adam Pendleton great kid and can play...

Where are you getting your info from? I know that Leto got transfers coming, but them transfers(I know who they are) aren't the greatest players in the district,maybe subpar. And to let you know that I know who they are, I'll just give you one name,Ronald. And are you serious about Plant? They will be a sub .500 team at best. Hillsborough has EVERYONE coming back besides the seniors of course. Their only losing one position player in Fleming. Jesuit will be favored in that district,followed by Hillsborough, then Chamberlain(if Sean stays there). Jefferson is losing players,besides POP is past his prime trying to win games by telling his players to look for mouth guard infractions. So TC Dad stick to your 4A ball cause you don't have a clue whats going on up here in 5A.

Hey post 12:16, I think TC is 3A ball. TC Dad probably said that Hillsborough is losing half their team cause they see Luper hanging out at their games lately, not knowing he still has friends over there. His mom TOLD ME that he isn't going no where. That would be stupid to transfer twice in 3 years. Lets hope that Sean doesn't leave CHS. That would be a blow to that team.

[Blake]

Blake is getting Russo next year......... you know what that means...all of hillsborough is going to transfer to Blake... heck all of hillsborough county is going to transfer to Blake now >>>>>>

I'll believe it when I see it. You know how many times I've heard that Russo is going someplace? You would've been more believable if you would have said Robinson. I know for a FACT that out of the starting lineup for HHS, Jay,Dylan,Tyler,Scooter,David,Roche, and Marlon WILL NOT go to some arts and craft school.

[Blake]

It was just a joke....We both know he is telling everybody he is going to Robinson so that means Jay is going to follow him... You can keep Marlon...I know who you are but you don't know who i am.... And you know Dylan is shopping ...How is your summer program over there at Hillsborough ...Lots of hitters no Pitchers...maybe if you could get marlon to stop crying you could have one of the best pitchers in town...but he won't pitch. Tyler is a pretty good player and Scooter ( what's a scooter) Tell David here comes another curve ball STRIKE 3 and he's out. So your right that Dylan is a very good player (but shopping for another school) Jay just as good but following Russo, David good player as well, marlon ( the problem that makes all those good players not such a good team)....So look out for Robinson next year Russo is goin to take care of business.

With the way these posts go around here, you can never tell who is being serious and who isn't. The way you wrote your post,I really don't think you know who I am. Atleast give me a hint on who you think I am. You may know, I really don't care. Your right that if Russo does get the Robinson
job(and it is a BIG "if"),Hillsborough will lose half of its starters. Like I said before, Rumors are a b*t*ch. Don't get me wrong here, I hope to GOD that Pat gets the job. Marlon is the cancer on that team,and he can't hit his weight,but yet he doesn't miss an atbat all year. Kenny is scared to death of Pete and it shouldn't be like that. I heard that Hillsborough isn't even fielding a legion team this year, is that what your talking about? As for David, he might have trouble hitting a breaker, but he is playing for one of the best travel teams in the COUNTRY, the Midland Redskins. His dad needs to get of his jock and let him pitch more often. As for Dylan, if Pat doesn't get a job, he'll be staying at Hillsborough. Scouts have told him to stay put where he's at. It once again depends on Russo. If he doesn't get the job, everybody will be back.

Now we are making sense you are right on everything you just said..But let's make this Blog interesting..Lets list the Best 2 at every position and top 5 pitchers just to make things fun.... Projection on next year players Catchers = Marlon Mitchell ( as long as he isnt hitting) Michael Smith from Brandon #1
1st base = If Peraza is playing 1st I will him. and Luper #2 But Prieto plays a little 1st as well so he is close. ( but people will argue for Dupell but I will have him at DH)
2nd base = Let's skip it and just name SS
SS = Givens , Dunn swings good and pretty good hands, Chad Taylor nice player, & Lockwood
3rd base = Esche, Leto, Velez, Ramos, Hudson from Jesuit
OF = Laurienzo, Richardson, Ding( had great #'s as a young player) Jimmy Falla, Ramsey ( best young player in town)
Pitchers = Cooke, Delphey, Vidal, Payne, Piching is going to be weak all over next year.
DH - Shoulders, Dupell,
Top 5 Teams
1. Sickles 2. Brandon 3. Plant 4. Jesuit 5. Where ever Russo ends up....
Now we have open forum time

i think

Yeah,I could think of some other kids that have good grades,and were better hitters. The last time I checked Wade was a position player,not a pitcher.
My county team for next year:
Starting Pitchers:Steve Videl(Leto);
Sean Prieto(Chamberlain);Chris
Velez(Sickles)
Middle Relief:Chase Sparkman(Brandon)
Closer:Tyler Ding(Alonso)
Catcher:Eric Arce(Brandon);Joe
Hudson(Jesuit)
1B:Micheal Smith(Brandon);Tyler
Luper(Hillsborough)
2B:Tito Martinez(Alonso);Derrick
Hudgins(Middleton)
3B:Dylan Esche(Hillsborough);P.J.
Leto(Leto)
SS:Mychal Givens(Plant);Chad
Taylor(Jefferson)
Outfielders:Jay Laurienzo(Hillsborough)
James Ramsey(Brandon);Jimmy
Falla(Jesuit);David Richardson(Hillsbo-
rough)
DH:Rolando Peraza(Leto);Roderick
Shoulders(Brandon)
TOP 5 TEAMS:
1.Brandon 2.Alonso 3.Jesuit
4.Hillsborough 5.Russo's Team
NOTE: I changed some positions,but they have played there before.I don't see Plant being good at all with ervrybody leaving except Givens and Ramos.

My bad, if Russo gets a team then Hillsborough is done.Put Sickles in at
#4.

[I agree]

I agree with almost everything you have but Adam Pendleton is pretty good and I dont really like Alonso butthe kid is good. Brandon will be good but Cinderella only went to one dance. And that Payne can really pitch better then Velez, and Cooke is better then Velez as well. That would be my only one I don't agree with.

Yeah, I really haven't seen that many
Sickles games. I've seen Chris pitch a couple times. You would probably know more about their pitching then I would. I did hear nothing but great stuff about Cooke. Haven't heard much about Payne. I will look for him next year. I doubt I see him during the summer.

[Peraza #1 Fan]

Jamie Mallard one of the best hitters ever to come out of Tampa and will be missed, but will be fun to see him hit bombs in the Gulf Coast league next year.

My List is as follows.
1st Base Peraza Any position he is at will make the difference and out play and hit anyone in the town...
2nd Peraza
3rd Peraza
Outfield Peraza
DH Peraza

Oh and That Vidal kid is nice.
TC Dad your crazy to think Leto is any good. They had a lucky weekend. They only spanked the teams they played because it was hot out.
And Russo is not going to coach at Robinson he is running for President. And if that does not work out the UT job is more along his avenue if it opens, which is a real possibility.

Givens is NOT a good shortstop! He has steel hands, his bat is weak. He beats the ball into the ground. WHY does he get the props all the time? OVER-RATED

Hey 11:48pm you must be a football fan trying to talk about baseball.Givens being overrated.You sound stupid making those statements.Believe me,I
HATE Plant,but to say what your saying, lets people know your talking about a subject you know nothing about.
He played in the FACA All-Star game for Florida,and he currently plays for the ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS,just to name a couple.That away to put your foot in your mouth.

2:20 you are El'Loco. Check the roster for that FACA game...top players in the area, NOT. That AAP team stinks bunch of whiney boys, 11:48 has seen it for years, Givens stinks as does his attitude, lack of work ethic and sucking the $$$ out of anyone his family meets!

U guys 4:19,2:20,11:48 are so on target about Givens, the family is definitely looking at him as their meal ticket, but forget about it, this kid is being set up for a MASSIVE FALL. Absolutely overrated. As far as Ramos goes, Plant's going to need another mosaic piece in order for him to get a little more exposure in his last year.

Thank GOD 4:19 and 6:11 aren't coaches(I'm not talking about AAU,PONY,or Little League)cause ya'll can't evaluate talent if your life depended on it. Thats a pretty low blow talking about someones family. Talk about the kid all you want. Your brave talking on a thread without putting your real name behind your words. Ya'll have a good day, and 4:19, you talk about other peoples family like that, your family WILL have something bad happen to them. WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND.

[Experts]

I'm amazed at what experts all of you are. You never know what's going to happen next year and I can assure you, most parents won't let their kids play for Russo. This was supposed to be about congratulating the kids that won these awards and you all have managed to bash half of the kids in the County. Grow up and be respectful of these three great athletes.

[DL]

Rumor has it that Russo has hit hat in the ring at Berkeley Prep. Now wouldn't that be interesting?

[km]

what about pitisci from robinson? kids made 3 errors in two years and has a strong bat to go along with it so watch out for him

[west tampa]

km is right on target with pitisci. seen this kid play since little league. strong arm, soft hands, and solid bat. played for a bad team and coach. pitched around alot because no one in front or behind him in the lineup. very nice young man. this player could have gone to another school but stuck it out. well deserved.

Esche? from Hillsborough. I saw him a couple of times he is really average.

[Joe]

Congrats A.P. Hope you have a great career at Florida.

If Esche making the 1st Team All-Western Conference and have an honorable mention for the All-County team as a sophomore is average, I think he'll take that, you hater.

10:45pm-you can't be serious that you're basing your argument based on the subjective evaluation of H.S. coaches. That's a freakin' joke. The kid is an average ballplayer period.
He can't carry Sam Mende's jock on the field.

1:17, are you on crack? Where did comparing Esche to Mende come about. Get off the pills and quit trying to create an argument cause it's not going to work. Comparing Mende who plays the outfield, to Esche that plays the hot corner. Yeah, you know what your talking about. The difference between those two is that people actually like Esche, the only people that like Mende is his family, almost everybody else hates the kid and thinks he's a fu*king punk. That's something to be proud of.

8:47am-pull up your pants your brains are spilling out. Mende is a SS/3B-moron.

[km]

Im surprised pitisci has stuck it out this long. Kid can flat out play baseball.

[km]

Ramos and esche are great players. but pitisci started his freshman year when their team was stacked and went to regionals. theres a list of great 3rd baseman in the county but pitisci is for real im tellin you