Florida BaseballBiz

Mark Corbett
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Florida is the incubator for great baseball. Little League players to High School Heroes and some become Major League HOF'ers. Florida BaseballBiz shares the stories of the leagues, teams, players, coaches and the great people that daily celebrate baseball with a bit of a citrus tang.

  1. Jun 22

    Genelle & Mochine - DeSoto Park & Ybor City Sportswomen & Family

    Mark Corbett sits down with Genelle Garverick to explore the rich sports history of Tampa's West Tampa, Ybor City, and DeSoto Park communities, with a special focus on Genelle's legendary mother, Mochine Mercedes Fernandez. Growing Up in Palmetto Beach, DeSoto Park & Ybor City Genelle attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), a K-12 Catholic school in Ybor CityBegan playing city/playground sports around age 6OLPH fielded competitive girls' volleyball and basketball teams despite small rosters (10-12 players)Memorable road trip to St. Leo to play on a sloped outdoor cement basketball court; missed shots rolled downhillTampa's City Playground Sports System Tampa Parks Department ran a highly competitive playground league with citywide championships in softball and basketballKids traveled across the city to compete at other playgroundsSummer championship days featured a wide variety of sports: baseball, softball, marbles, and moreGenelle reflects that this community-centered model was one of the best environments for children's development**Mochine Mercedes Fernandez | A Legendary Sports Leader Served as Park Director at DeSoto Park for approximately 20 yearsMulti-sport athlete: basketball, volleyball, softball; played into her 40sMochine named Tampa Bay Sportswoman of the Year (1963)Earned all-state honors in basketballPlayed on the Sea Breeze-sponsored softball teamCompeted against retired professional men baseball players at Al Lang Field on SundaysKnown for her tenacity at home plate as a catcher; once tagged out a sliding player and then got a congratulatory hugCompared to legendary catchers-turned-leaders like Al Lopez and Kevin CashThe Trip to Havana, Cuba (~1953) Mochine organized and funded a trip for a girls' softball team to compete in HavanaRaised $1,000 (no small feat in 1953) entirely through community donations; businesses had their names printed on the team's uniformsThe team stayed in private homes in an affluent Havana neighborhood, free of charge while traveling in HavanaDefeated all the Cuban girls' teams, and then beat the boys' teams tooFor most players, it was their first time on a plane and outside of FloridaCommunity Pillars: Spicola Family & Sea Breeze Restaurant The Spicola family lived across from DeSoto Park; they sponsored a softball team and supported community families in needSea Breeze Restaurant (Licata family) was a beloved neighborhood seafood spot, famous for fresh shrimp and devil crabsGenelle's family had a standing Friday dinner-and-drive-in tradition at Sea BreezeJean Cerra Connection Jean Cerra (previous podcast guest) and Genelle attended OLPH togetherThey reunited by chance in a Columbia, Missouri grocery store years laterCerra became head of physical education at Stephens College, then the first Associate Women's Athletic Director at the University of MissouriCerra was instrumental in early Title IX organization efforts at the national levelWomen's Sports Then & Now Genelle worked in women's athletics administration at Purdue University post-graduate schoolAttended a pivotal early meeting in Colorado where women's sports leaders debated joining the NCAA; concerns centered on losing autonomyTitle IX marked a turning point, but Genelle believes women's sports still needs greater investment, media coverage, and professional opportunitiesReflects fondly on the Tampa Tribune's extensive coverage of local playground sports, a contrast to today's fragmented media landscapeThe Garverick Family's Athletic Legacy Genelle and her husband Alan have three children: two daughters and a son (Phil)All three became competitive swimmers due to their oldest daughter's asthma treatmentPhil swam on scholarship at University of Missouri and now coaches a swim team in CanadaAllison was accepted at Duke; Stacy swam for Washington University in St. LouisNotable Mentions - Senaida "Shoo Shoo" Worth | Ybor City native who played for South Bend Blue Sox - Margaret Magadan Piniella | Lou Piniella's mother; also appeared frequently in Tampa sports archives - Olympia Diaz | another Tampa-area sports woman who became a park director elsewhere - Al Lopez | Tampa native catcher who managed the White Sox and Cleveland Indians to the World Series - Sue Zipay | organized a women's baseball showcase in Sarasota featuring Olympic-caliber women baseball players Resources mentioned in show Article about Mochine Fernandez by Janet Ball Watts, published in Cigar City MagazinePrevious episode featuring Jean CerraUSA Women's Baseball Tournament | Rockford, Illinois (home of the Rockford Peaches)Closing Thought Mochine Fernandez exemplified community leadership through sport: feeding families, funding travel, coaching reluctant players out of bed, and opening doors for girls who had never left Florida. Her legacy lives on through the women she inspired, including Jean Cerra's Title IX work and Genelle Garverick's own career in collegiate sports administration.

  2. Apr 8

    A Visit with Josh Weaver to The Tampa Baseball Museum

    Episode: The Tampa Baseball Museum with Josh Weaver Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain Guest: Josh Weaver, Curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum Episode Overview Mark and Mat sit down with returning guest Josh Weaver, curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum, to discuss the museum's history, community outreach, future modernization ideas, and the incredible depth of major league baseball talent that has come out of Hillsborough County, Florida. Key Topics Covered The Tampa Baseball Museum Located in a historic 1905 casita (home) in Ybor City — the former home of Al Lopez, the first player from Tampa to reach the major leaguesOne of only four museums in the U.S. housed in a player's actual birthplace or home (alongside the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum in Greenville, SC, and the Hank Aaron Museum in Mobile, AL)Focuses on Hillsborough County baseball history, not just the city of TampaCurrently features 121 players born or raised in Hillsborough County who made it to the major leagues, with 89 baseballs on the "baseball wall"Four Hall of Famers with Hillsborough County ties: Al Lopez, Wade Boggs, Tony La Russa, and Fred McGriffCommunity Outreach Mobile museum that travels to little league opening/closing day ceremonies and local eventsSponsors teams in West Tampa Little LeagueUses artifacts (like Tino Martinez's 2000 World Series jersey) to spark intergenerational baseball conversationsPartners with local mascots (King Ripple, Finley, SouthPaw) for reading events at schools and librariesHosts intimate "Coach's Corner" events featuring retired players and coaches (e.g., Larry Rothschild, David Magadan, Joe Maddon, Roberto Hernandez)The Reading Series Josh has written a children's book on Baltimore's Camden YardsUpcoming releases: children's biographies of local judge and former minor leaguer Robin Fuson, and MLB veteran David MagadanPlayers have full review and editorial control over their booksFuture Ideas Discussed Virtual reality and holographic technology to modernize the museum experience and attract younger visitorsA "sandlot game" concept: retired MLB players vs. current regional coaches, to bridge generations and grow community engagementPreserving memories of the Tropicana Field via 360° VR before the venue changesCollaboration with other small baseball museums (Ty Cobb Museum, Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum) for cross-museum eventsNotable Players & Names Mentioned Al Lopez, Wade Boggs, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, Fred McGriff, Tony La Russa, Lou Piniella, Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker, Preston Tucker, Kevin Cash, Brett Phillips, Logan Gilbert, Caglianone, David Magadan, Roberto Hernandez, Joe Maddon, Pop Cuesta, Pete Mulry, Nardi Contreras, Chuck Hernandez, Manny Seoane, Robin Fuson, Randy Myers, Clint Hurdle, Arminda Mata (CEO, Ybor Society) Resources & Links Tampa Baseball Museum website: Search "Tampa Baseball Museum"Facebook / Instagram: Follow Tampa Baseball Museum for upcoming events and the newsletterPrevious episode: Arminda Mata, CEO of the Ybor City Museum SocietyPrevious episode: Robin Fuson (judge/former minor leaguer)Book mention: Baseball and the Law by Lou Schiff (features Robin Fuson and Tony La Russa)Florida BaseballBiz is your home for stories, history, and the business of baseball in the Sunshine State.

  3. Mar 25

    Ybor City - Baseball Heroes & Legends history with Arminda Mata

    Interview with Arminda Mata, CEO & President, Tampa Baseball Museum / Ybor Museum Society Host: Mark Corbett Episode Summary Mark sits down with Arminda Mata to explore the deep roots of baseball in Tampa's Ybor City — from the cigar factories of the 1880s to the formation of the first Cigar City League in 1913, and how that history shaped generations of Major League talent. Key Topics Buildings Alive Celebration — The 14th annual event showcasing Ybor City's historic buildings and history.Ybor City's Origins — Vicente Martinez Ybor relocated his cigar business from Cuba to Key West and ultimately Tampa in the 1880s, sparking explosive population growth (800 to 15,000 in 15 years).The Mutual Aid Societies — Six immigrant societies (Italian Club, Centro Español, Centro Asturiano, El Circulo Cubano, Sociedad La Unión Martí-Maceo, German American Club) provided banking, insurance, healthcare, social activities, and even cemeteries — from birth to grave.The Cigar Industry Boom — Spanish, Cuban, Sicilian, Jewish, and German immigrants built a massive cigar trade producing over a million cigars per week, with the King of Spain buying exclusively from Cuesta-Rey.Baseball's Beginnings in Tampa — Amateur teams formed around cigar companies and local businesses. On May 30, 1913, the first Cigar City League was formally organized, with Cuesta-Rey winning the inaugural championship.The Inter-Social League (1940s) — Mutual aid societies formed teams that played against each other, bringing diverse communities together through baseball.Tampa's Baseball Legends — Al Lopez (first Tampa-born Hall of Famer), Lou Piniella, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Doc Gooden, Gary Sheffield, and the family connections between them.Negro Leagues in Tampa — The first Negro Association in Tampa started May 23, 1885. Billy Reed, coach at Hillsborough High School, played for the Tampa Bay Rockets.Accessibility of Baseball Today — Discussion on the cost of attending games and the value of supporting minor league teams (Tarpons, Flying Tigers, Threshers) and local college/high school ball.The Tampa Baseball Museum's Mission — Mobile museum programs in schools and senior facilities, researching forgotten names and family connections, and preserving Tampa's unique baseball heritage.Notable Names Mentioned Al Lopez, Lou Piniella, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Doc Gooden, Gary Sheffield, Dave Magadan, Lance McCullers Sr. & Jr., Billy Reed, Senaida Shoo Shoo Wirth, Jane Leavy, Janet Marie Smith, Joe Maddon, Wes Singletary, Junior Caminero, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones Links & Resources Tampa Baseball Museum: tampabaseballmuseum.org

  4. 11/21/2025

    Wes Singletary, The Tampa Roots of a Baseball Historian

    Wes Singletary talks about growing up in Tampa, Al Lopez, neighborhood ballfields, American Legion Baseball, The Negro Leagues, Red Barber &  Meeting Red BarberWes shares a memorable story of meeting legendary broadcaster Red Barber while at Florida StateBarber’s weekly Friday show with Bob Edwards  on NPR Morning EditionFlorida’s First Big League Baseball PlayersAl Lopez sparked Wes’ research into the earliest major leaguers born in FloridaTampa Baseball Museum & Wes’ BooksMark reflects on discovering Wes’ works at the museum, including:Al Lopez: The Life of Baseball's El SenorThe Right Time: John Henry "Pop" Lloyd and Black BaseballFlorida’s First Big League Baseball PlayersThe Tampa Baseball Museum continues to carry Wes’ books year-round. https://www.tampabaseballmuseum.org/ Tampa’s Outsized Baseball LegacyWest Tampa & Ybor has produced a wealth of legendary players and coaches—from Tony La Russa and Lou Piniella to Tino Martinez and Luis Gonzalez—and why many outsiders still underestimate the city’s baseball history.American Legion Baseball Turns 100Centennial of American Legion baseball, American Legion ball in small townsLegion baseball predates Little League by more than a decade.Rays, Yankees, and Local LoyaltiesWhy Yankees spring training in Tampa complicates local loyaltiesHow transplants shape Rays attendanceWhat it might take to shift support toward Tampa’s home teamBitsy Mott, Colonel Parker and ElvisAl Lopez vs. Casey Stengel - great stories from the 1954 and 1959 pennant races—including Stengel’s legendary quips Show Stopper – Al Lopez was the only manager to interrupt the Yankees’ dominance.Hall of Fame a Swing & a Miss - Wes & Mark Question the Veterans/Eras Committee on omitting Lou Piniella by 1 vote from the Hall of FameA visit to Lou Piniella’s house & a lifetime memory – Young Wes receives a baseball signed by Munson, Hunter, and moreDiscover more about Wes and his books at :  https://bit.ly/481acjG Mark at  baseballbizondeck@gmail.com, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com   Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino

  5. 09/12/2025

    Jamie Urso, Baseball Family legacies & a Catcher's perspective

    🏙️ Deep Tampa Roots: Jamie shares his family’s history coming from Sicily and Cuba in the early 1900s and their place in Tampa’s rich cultural and baseball heritage.⚾ A Grandfather’s Impact: Stories of his grandfather Emilio Almeida — a true baseball guru — who taught generations of kids the finer points of the game and inspired a lifelong passion for baseball.🧢 Little League Champion: How Emilio turned a ragtag team of “misfits” with no uniforms into league champions through strategy, fundamentals, and love for the game.📚 Baseball IQ from the Start: Lessons on situational thinking, strategy, and positioning that shaped Jamie’s approach as a catcher from Little League through high school and beyond.🧠 Catcher’s Perspective: Jamie breaks down the mental side of catching — calling pitches, building trust with pitchers, reading hitters, and managing the whole field.📈 From Leto High to College: How Jamie’s baseball instincts and independence on the field set him apart, earning trust to call his own games and lead from behind the plate.🧐 Seeing the Game Differently: Jamie explains how he still watches baseball — looking for tells, strategy, and subtle signs that others miss — and how he passes that knowledge on to younger players.💬 Coaching the Next Generation: His approach to teaching not just mechanics but hitting philosophy, game awareness, and understanding the strike zone.FSU Roots & Baseball Memories: Touring FSU’s baseball locker room and seeing tributes to Buster Posey and Cal Raleigh Comparing old-school locker rooms to today’s luxury setupsFrom the Diamond to the Firehouse - Transitioning from college baseball to a 26-year career with Tampa Fire RescueJoining the Tampa Fire softball team, winning tournaments, and competing in the World Police & Fire GamesFamily Legacy in Baseball - Growing up in a baseball-rich family with deep Tampa roots Cousin Joe Urso, legendary head coach at the University of Tampa (multiple national championships) Continuing the family’s passion for the game through coaching and mentoringHonoring Shu Shu Wirth  -  Remembering Senaida “Shu Shu” Wirth, Jamie’s cousin and AAGPBL All-Star with the South Bend Blue SoxHer incredible speed, arm, and fearless play — leading the league in stolen basesPreserving her story and legacy for future generationsPassing the Torch - Coaching his daughters in softball and seeing them succeed in other sports Reflecting on intensity as a youth coach and the lasting positive impact on former playersBaseball Legends & Local Icons Remembering Tampa baseball figure Tony Saladino and his lasting community impact Family connections to Hillsborough H.S. star and Dodgers signee Don Corson Meeting Brooklyn Dodgers legend Sandy Amorós thanks to his grandfatherCuscaden Park & Tampa’s Cuban Baseball Heritage Recalling packed stands for games between Tampa Smokers & Cuban teams Championship MemoriesLeading a ragtag Little League team to a title through fundamentals, repetition, and strategy How his grandfather’s teaching turned kids into real ballplayersKey Themes: Baseball heritage, family legacy, coaching wisdom, Tampa baseball history, honoring women’s baseball pioneers You can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at  baseballbizondeck@gmail.com, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com   Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino

  6. 09/01/2025

    Florida Bolts Girls Baseball return with BFA Champions

    Brooke Mrozek, Team Manager of the Florida Bolts Baseball Champions joins Mat Germain & Mark Corbett on Florida BaseballBiz Florida Bolts OrganizationAll-girls baseball organization serving ages 7–18 across FloridaTeams compete in national tournaments, including Sparks, Nevada where:12U team won 1st place (minor division)16U team finished 2nd place (minor division)Brooke’s daughter served as a coach for the 12U teamGrowth of Women’s BaseballIncreasing opportunities with 10 collegiate women’s baseball teams (e.g., Cal Poly)Launch of the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) in 2026 with six teams in the NortheastNew pathways for girls to pursue baseball beyond high school and collegeBolts Player DevelopmentPlayers continue with local rec/travel teams and unite for monthly practicesPractices emphasize both skill-building and fun (e.g., slip-and-slide sliding drills)Brooke’s focus: being a mentor beyond parents—“I believe in you. You belong.”Funding ChallengesFlorida Bolts is a nonprofit, relying on donations, fundraisers, and sponsorshipsPast support included the Tampa Bay Rays, but funding has decreased in recent yearsCurrent fundraiser: 50/50 raffle plus sponsorship opportunitiesUpcoming Opportunity: The Barclay Cup in AustraliaBolts are the first international team invited to this prestigious tournamentEvent happens in just over a month—historic opportunity to bridge U.S. and Australian girls’ baseballSponsorships and donations needed to cover travel, lodging, tournament fees, and uniformsHow to Support the Florida BoltsFacebook https://www.facebook.com/floridabolts & Instagram: Florida Bolts Baseball - https://www.instagram.com/florida_bolts_girls_baseball/Email: FloridaBoltsBaseball@yahoo.comDonations/Sponsorships: via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal (details on Facebook page)50/50 raffle currently activeClosing Message from BrookeGoal is to create opportunities and support girls in baseballSponsorships, donations, and even sharing posts online make a difference“Baseball isn’t just for boys anymore—girls can do this.”Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino

  7. 08/20/2025

    West Tampa Baseball, Music & Faith with Mike Baluja

    Mark welcomes guest Mike Baluja, who Mark calls, Mr. West Tampa”Baluja businessman, songwriter, and baseball historian.Conversation centers on the Little League World Series and the rich baseball history of West Tampa.The Alessi Bakers baseball team & Joe MagadanThe rise and changes of West Tampa Little League since the 1960s.Community roots in immigrant cigar families and neighborhood culture.Legendary players from the area, including Lou Piniella, Tony La Russa, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, David Magadan, and more.Ricky Alfonso (“The Cat”) won 3 championships at Tampa Catholic High School - rained out in 1 championshiopHow adversity in baseball has made Mike find new ways to work effectivelyDiscussion on community bonds through baseball – from families in the stands to generational connections.Mike shares stories about his grandson Julian’s baseball journey, including playing in Batavia and transitioning into coaching.Conversation shifts to Mike’s songwriting career, his reflections on Tampa, and how he weaves faith and community into his music.Closing thoughts on how baseball, family, and faith intertwine to shape lasting memories and future opportunities.Mike Baluja's music can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDd6iuGXDYGuVntiu-joe6g You can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at  baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com

  8. 08/15/2025

    Author, Rick Vaughn shares stories on Cubs, Smokers, Reds, White Sox & Red Sox @ historic Plant & Al Lopez Fields

    Rick Vaughn’s book "Tampa Spring Training Tales," brings the past to life  & opens up a wealth of enjoyable stories including the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Smokers, Reds, White Sox & Red Sox @ historic Plant & Al Lopez Fields Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, Pete Rose and Al Lopez are just a few of the people we discuss this week on Florida BaseballBiz with Rick. “Chubby” Cubs owner is enamored with Tampa100th years of Spring TrainingTampa Mayor McKay was also PublisherWrigley moves Cubs from Tampa to out West1952 – Yankees celebrated their 50th anniversary at Columbia restaurant1955 World Series winners receive their awards in TampaReds extraordinary long-lasting relationship with Tampa BayBig Red Machine first gathers in TampaAl Lopez Field tore down as interest in Major League team risesYankees Core FourWade Boggs discovers he is going to the show from Johnny Bench100 Major Leaguers came through Plant Field & Al Lopez Field1940 All-Star game in Tampa for Finnish Relief Fund with Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jimmy Foxx, Hank Greenberg and Bob FellerSegregation of players by color – they could not stay at the same hotelsCardinals bought Outrigger motel in St. Pete so they could house all players at 1 locationTampa Bay Hotel proximity to Plant FieldBabe Ruth’s longest Home Run, 587 feet, hit at Plant Field on April 4, 1919Ted Williams spits at fans first in TampaTim Kurkjian of ESPN – good friend and sounding boardFrank Howard & Ted Willams storyTampa Smokers, St. Pete Saints and a bull fightBaseball as a unifier amongst the many cultures in Ybor / Tampa1963 – Pete Rose – Rookie Year – Charlie Hustle emergesJFK at Al Lopez FieldCharitable work with Metropolitan Mission, Clearwater Youth & the Homeless Empowerment Program.Rick also keeps score for Florida Complex League Special Thanks to Williams Ross Chernoff's Nomads for the music Makie Elkino Notes generated in part by DeScript

    Author, Rick Vaughn shares stories on Cubs, Smokers, Reds, White Sox & Red Sox @ historic Plant & Al Lopez Fields
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About

Florida is the incubator for great baseball. Little League players to High School Heroes and some become Major League HOF'ers. Florida BaseballBiz shares the stories of the leagues, teams, players, coaches and the great people that daily celebrate baseball with a bit of a citrus tang.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Corbett
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Florida BaseballBiz
  • Show Website
    Florida BaseballBiz