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Settin' a Tone One of the joys of this job is receiving calls/e-mails from long-ago players who are now succeeding in life; especially from those who faced difficult situations in their childhoods. Please take time to read this update on former Olney baseball player Tony Cartagena, (Class of 1983), a North Philly native who now lives in Florida. I asked Tony to write a little bit about his life and how he forged ahead. He did so darn near immediately (smile). Thanks very much, Tony. It was great to hear from you! Continued success! -- Ted |
A little about my
myself and where I came from . . .
The Story of Tony Cartagena: Born in 1965 and raised in the inner city of North Philadelphia. Son of Anthony Cartagena Sr. and the late Susana Cartagena. Bless my mama. She passed in 2001. Growing up was very normal. A lot of fun. Great childhood. Sports were my passion and my escape from the streets. My drive to be a good kid in the neighborhood and make my parents proud was what I chose, with baseball being my first love (among other sports)! At the age of 9 years old, my Dad and Mom discovered that I had a gift and therefore they enrolled me in some summer sports. That's how it all began. I continued to play throughout my childhood and teenage years, getting better and better. In 1980 through 1983, I was involved in high school baseball at Olney. Should have played football and basketball, too. Was asked in school many times, but my drive and passion was baseball so I focused just on that. After graduating from high school I went right into playing Double A ball in the Spanish Federation League. I was well known throughout my area as an all-star catcher and outfielder, while also representing my hometown in baseball that was considered to be "the majors" for locals. Great times! I had the experience to say that I went to a few open tryouts for pro teams. Not giving up my dreams. I was asked to stay after the tryouts over hundred of kids. Very fortunate. "Philly Pride," I'll say, with the passion still to make the big leagues. To this date I still feel I should have been there. Scared of leaving my loved ones, among other issues, I backed out. I don't regret any decisions I made in life. Just wish I had never given up, I played around a lot of talent. Just to name a few . . . Paul Delgado, Willie Perez, Javier Barreto, John DeLeon, Howie Freiling, Ruben Amaro (GM of the Phillies) and the late John Marzano (may God bless his soul). And if I left others out, sorry, but you are all remembered and I send my regards and blessings.
Where is Tony Cartagena today? Residing in sunny Florida. Here since 1993 with wife and two daughters. Currently working for one of the largest volume automotive retailers in the nation as Store Manager and very successful while still active in sports and keeping the passion I had as a kid. I share to others: Always go after the dream whether it's sports or a great career in something. Never give up the good attitude. It's what made me who I am today and I passed it on to my daughters and family!
God bless all. I will never forget "Philadelphia" . . . this is where it all began!
The Story of Tony Cartagena: Born in 1965 and raised in the inner city of North Philadelphia. Son of Anthony Cartagena Sr. and the late Susana Cartagena. Bless my mama. She passed in 2001. Growing up was very normal. A lot of fun. Great childhood. Sports were my passion and my escape from the streets. My drive to be a good kid in the neighborhood and make my parents proud was what I chose, with baseball being my first love (among other sports)! At the age of 9 years old, my Dad and Mom discovered that I had a gift and therefore they enrolled me in some summer sports. That's how it all began. I continued to play throughout my childhood and teenage years, getting better and better. In 1980 through 1983, I was involved in high school baseball at Olney. Should have played football and basketball, too. Was asked in school many times, but my drive and passion was baseball so I focused just on that. After graduating from high school I went right into playing Double A ball in the Spanish Federation League. I was well known throughout my area as an all-star catcher and outfielder, while also representing my hometown in baseball that was considered to be "the majors" for locals. Great times! I had the experience to say that I went to a few open tryouts for pro teams. Not giving up my dreams. I was asked to stay after the tryouts over hundred of kids. Very fortunate. "Philly Pride," I'll say, with the passion still to make the big leagues. To this date I still feel I should have been there. Scared of leaving my loved ones, among other issues, I backed out. I don't regret any decisions I made in life. Just wish I had never given up, I played around a lot of talent. Just to name a few . . . Paul Delgado, Willie Perez, Javier Barreto, John DeLeon, Howie Freiling, Ruben Amaro (GM of the Phillies) and the late John Marzano (may God bless his soul). And if I left others out, sorry, but you are all remembered and I send my regards and blessings.
Where is Tony Cartagena today? Residing in sunny Florida. Here since 1993 with wife and two daughters. Currently working for one of the largest volume automotive retailers in the nation as Store Manager and very successful while still active in sports and keeping the passion I had as a kid. I share to others: Always go after the dream whether it's sports or a great career in something. Never give up the good attitude. It's what made me who I am today and I passed it on to my daughters and family!
God bless all. I will never forget "Philadelphia" . . . this is where it all began!