Early Days in Staten Island

Growing up in Staten Island shaped a big part of who I am today. The neighborhood had a real sense of community, where everyone knew each other and kids spent hours outside even after the streetlights came on. Life was simple, but it was also full of opportunities to learn, compete, and grow. For me, baseball was at the center of it all. It gave me discipline, direction, and a group of friends who felt more like family. Looking back, those early days on the field taught me lessons that I still carry into my work and personal life.

The Role of Baseball

Baseball was more than just a sport where I grew up. It was the heart of the neighborhood. Playing Little League was almost a rite of passage, week day nights and all weekend meant packed fields with families cheering from the sidelines. The game gave me confidence and taught me what it meant to work hard for something bigger than myself. I learned to stay focused, even when I struck out, and to keep showing up no matter the setbacks. Those games and practices instilled a sense of responsibility that stuck with me long after I hung up my cleats.

Teamwork and Trust

One of the strongest values baseball gave me was the importance of teamwork. No matter how good you are, you cannot win a game alone. Every position mattered, from the pitcher to the outfielders. I learned to trust my teammates, knowing they would have my back just as I had theirs. That lesson translated into business and life. Whether running a company or supporting family, I know that trust and dependability are the foundation of any success.

Respect and Discipline

Playing baseball also taught me respect. Coaches demanded effort, focus, and the ability to listen. They pushed us to practice hard and respect not only the game but also each other. Discipline was built into every practice and every inning. It was not always easy, especially for a kid who would rather goof around with friends, but it was necessary. Those values helped me later in life when I faced challenges in business and personal decisions. Respect and discipline became guiding principles that kept me on track.

Community and Friendship

What stands out most from my Staten Island days are the friendships. The bonds I built with teammates and neighbors lasted far beyond childhood. Baseball gave us common ground, but it was the countless hours spent together on and off the field that built lifelong connections. Staten Island might be part of New York City, but it often felt like a small town. Everyone came together to support each other, whether it was at a game, a school event, or a local gathering. That sense of belonging shaped the way I value relationships today.

Lessons Beyond the Field

Baseball was the starting point, but the lessons extended well beyond the diamond. I learned how to handle pressure, how to bounce back from failure, and how to keep my focus on long-term goals. Losing a big game was never easy, but it showed me that setbacks are temporary and that growth comes from perseverance. Later in life, when I faced the ups and downs of running a business, those same lessons reminded me not to quit when things got tough.

Family Support

None of my childhood experiences would have meant as much without family. My parents were not always there, they had to work, but always wanted to know about what we did.. They showed me that support and sacrifice are part of building something lasting. My mom always wanted to be there, she was so proud to see her son just be part of a team.  Coaches , like Mr Hartnett,had such determination to play the game “right”  and it continues to guide my decisions today.

Staten Island Values

Staten Island itself played a big role in shaping my character. It taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and humility. Growing up in a borough often overlooked by the rest of New York City gave me a quiet determination to prove myself. That drive has stayed with me in business and in life. Staten Island gave me the grit to start my first company at a young age and the persistence to keep building through challenges.

Carrying the Lessons Forward

Today, when I look back at my childhood in Staten Island, I see how much baseball and community shaped my journey. Those lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance did not stay on the field. They followed me into adulthood, guiding me as I built my career and navigated life’s challenges. The values I learned there are not just memories. They are tools I use every day to move forward with purpose and confidence.

Lasting Gratitude

I will always be grateful for the childhood I had in Staten Island. Baseball may have been just a game, but for me, it was the foundation of character and resilience. The friendships, the lessons, and the values formed in those years continue to shape who I am today. Staten Island gave me more than a place to grow up. It gave me a way of life rooted in hard work, loyalty, and perseverance. Those are the lasting values I carry with me, no matter where life takes me.