Gaither ace caps season with Saladino Award

Caleb Graham helped lead Gaither to the state final for the first time in school history. The Florida State signee had 100 strikeouts in 71 innings for the Cowboys, compiling a 10-3 record and 1.16 ERA.

By MIKE READLING
Published July 18, 2005

BRANDON - By all accounts, Gaither pitcher Caleb Graham's senior season was very successful.

He helped lead the Cowboys to the state final for the first time in school history. He racked up 100 strikeouts in 71 innings, compiling a 10-3 record and 1.16 ERA.

All that remained this summer for Graham was to pack his bags and head to Florida State, where he will pitch next season. Oh, and that trip to the Tampa Bay Coaches Association banquet where he was to represent Gaither High with coach Frank Permuy.

All Graham needed to do was turn onto Malibu Drive, however, to figure something wasn't right. Sure, they were stopping by Tony and Bertha Saladino's house to drive them to the banquet, but why was Graham's mother's car parked out front?

It didn't take long before Graham learned he was the 35th player to receive the annual Saladino Award, presented to the best Hillsborough County senior baseball player who also exhibits scholarship, leadership and character.

Graham is the third Gaither player to receive the award, joining Paul Williams (2000) and Ryan Anderson (2001), and he joins a list that includes Tino Martinez, Gary Sheffield and Dave Magadan.

"It's an honor to be on this list," Graham said. "All these major-leaguers. All these great players. I'm really honored."

Graham might have used Gaither's recent run on Saladino Awards (three out of the last six) to his advantage. He said Williams served as his pitching coach during his freshman year and Anderson has visited the school since he graduated.

"Paul helped me out with a couple things," Graham said. "And I've talked to Ryan a couple times."

[Last modified July 18, 2005, 01:38:10]