tournament history
The Saladino Tournament was stablished in 1981 as a memorial for Tony Saladino, Sr. and to prompte high school baseball in Hillsborough county.
The tournament started with 11 public schools and has grown into a current 32 team event.
Annually, since 1981, during the Hillsborough County School's Spring Break, we have provided a high school tournament. This year's tournament will be held at Brandon High School, and several other high school sites to be determined.
Hopefully this information will briefly explain the organization and operation of the tournament and some of the entertainment and activities that are available to all fans and spectators of all ages during the week at the Brandon High School site.
Dwight "Doc" Gooden, of Hillsborough High School, was the tournament's first most valuable player. Since then, 38 players that participated in the tournament have gone on to play baseball in the Major Leagues. Twelve of these players were first round draft picks and countless others have played baseball in the minor leagues and/or college.
A variety of baseball related activities, such as displays, games, contests, special events, ceremonial first pitches, live singing and/or playing of the national anthem, and private hospitality are scheduled during the week to supplement the educational recreational, leisure and entertainment opportunities for the players, coaches, fans and spectators.
The private hospitality trailer, next to the big tent at the Brandon High School host site, is provided for the Major League scouts, college ad high school coaches, the news media, school administrators, and invited guests only.
All gate receipts are deposited into a tournament trust fund account with the Hillsborough Education Foundation to be used for tournament related expenses each year.
All concession stand proceeds go to the individual host sites, and not the tournament.
In keeping with a consistent commitment, the tournament always strives for excellence through a continuous quest of contributing to the growth and development of the educational environment and youth sports.
Your attendance during the week is admired and appreciated; but, more importantly, we appreciate your support of the youth in Hillsborough county, as we continue to strive for excellence, devotion, and dedication in education (and in baseball)!
We also feel good about keeping our high school baseball players and some of their friends busy, close to home, out of mischief and out of trouble during their Spring Break.
May your visit with us be safe, fun, enjoyable, nostalgic, rewarding, patriotic, and educational. We welcome your comments and/or suggestions and we seek your continued support!
We welcome everyone's participation and support.
OUR GOAL: making friends, memories, and, caring and responsible citizens - one inning at a time!
Educationally yours, for kid's sake,
Tony Saladino & Family
The tournament started with 11 public schools and has grown into a current 32 team event.
Annually, since 1981, during the Hillsborough County School's Spring Break, we have provided a high school tournament. This year's tournament will be held at Brandon High School, and several other high school sites to be determined.
Hopefully this information will briefly explain the organization and operation of the tournament and some of the entertainment and activities that are available to all fans and spectators of all ages during the week at the Brandon High School site.
Dwight "Doc" Gooden, of Hillsborough High School, was the tournament's first most valuable player. Since then, 38 players that participated in the tournament have gone on to play baseball in the Major Leagues. Twelve of these players were first round draft picks and countless others have played baseball in the minor leagues and/or college.
A variety of baseball related activities, such as displays, games, contests, special events, ceremonial first pitches, live singing and/or playing of the national anthem, and private hospitality are scheduled during the week to supplement the educational recreational, leisure and entertainment opportunities for the players, coaches, fans and spectators.
The private hospitality trailer, next to the big tent at the Brandon High School host site, is provided for the Major League scouts, college ad high school coaches, the news media, school administrators, and invited guests only.
All gate receipts are deposited into a tournament trust fund account with the Hillsborough Education Foundation to be used for tournament related expenses each year.
All concession stand proceeds go to the individual host sites, and not the tournament.
In keeping with a consistent commitment, the tournament always strives for excellence through a continuous quest of contributing to the growth and development of the educational environment and youth sports.
Your attendance during the week is admired and appreciated; but, more importantly, we appreciate your support of the youth in Hillsborough county, as we continue to strive for excellence, devotion, and dedication in education (and in baseball)!
We also feel good about keeping our high school baseball players and some of their friends busy, close to home, out of mischief and out of trouble during their Spring Break.
May your visit with us be safe, fun, enjoyable, nostalgic, rewarding, patriotic, and educational. We welcome your comments and/or suggestions and we seek your continued support!
We welcome everyone's participation and support.
OUR GOAL: making friends, memories, and, caring and responsible citizens - one inning at a time!
Educationally yours, for kid's sake,
Tony Saladino & Family