LOVE BASEBALL? LOVE COLLECTING AND TRADING BASEBALL CARDS? You’re not alone! Popular TV sports anchor and author Tony Ventrella, like millions of other fans of America’s national sport, started collecting as a kid. Now, in this delightful children’s book, his little Tommy not only finds his hobby fun but, through the wisdom of his Gramps, learns an inspirational lesson to live by.
About the Author:
Tony Ventrella has been a household name in Seattle and the Puget Sound region for over 40 years. A transplant from his hometown of Wilton, Connecticut, Tony followed his dad’s advice and became a barber even though his sights were set on a career in sports broadcasting. He became sports editor of the local newspaper, Wilton Bulletin, which was located across the street from the barber shop. He got closer to his dream when he was hired by a radio station in Westport, Connecticut, moved on to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then to Seattle, Washington’s KING –TV, the NBC affiliate in King County. He eventually became the sports anchor at all three King County affiliates of ABC, NBC, and CBS. The next venture: as the Digital Media Host for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks for 11 years. Collecting baseball cards was an early passion, but Tony’s avid interests were not confined to sports. His love of acting, directing and producing live theater got him involved in community theater in several Seattle suburbs. Neil Simon’s Chapter Two proved to be the most popular and was followed by Diary of Anne Frank and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. A true multifaceted gentleman, not just in interests but in community service, Tony entered local politics serving on the Community Activities Commission and as Deputy Mayor of Newcastle, Washington. He created a free community Halloween event called Boocastle, so children could don their costumes and enjoy free candy—still a favorite after five years.
