Saladino family continues baseball cycle

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.

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-- ERNEST HOOPER