In 1981, the first Tony Saladino Memorial Baseball Tournament was held at Brandon High School with 11 high schools. While baseball was the focus, the Saladino’s strove to keep a small-town, community feeling by offering home-cooked meals to coaches, officials, media members, baseball scouts, and others as a gesture of thanks and goodwill.  They also displayed baseball memorabilia and scheduled games, contests, and special events for all spectators to enjoy.  Entry fees were minimal and hosting schools could open concession stands and keep any proceeds.

As the tournament grew to include 27 district high schools, the hospitality trailer, affectionately known as “Bertha’s Place,” prepared nearly 2,500 meals during the course of a tournament, all prepared and served by Bertha and her volunteers. 

Our sympathy goes out to Tony and the Saladino family. Bertha will dearly be missed - we know she will be with us in spirit on opening day.