By JOEY JOHNSTON

Tribune Sports Writer

(c) Tampa Bay Times. Originally published May 28, 1982.

BRANDON — There was never any doubt about who was going to receive this year’s Tony Saladino Award. But Tampa Catholic’s Richard Monteleone was still surprised.

Monteleone, who led the Crusaders to the Class 3A state title earlier this month, was downright flabbergasted when he arrived at Saladino’s Brandon home Thursday night and received the award, given annually to the top high school baseball player in Hillsborough County.

“I didn’t even know I had a chance for it,’’ said Monteleone, who posted a 14-1 record for TC while hitting .527. “At first, I thought it was just for the public schools.’’

Tampa Catholic coach Frank Permuy picked Monteleone up from school and told him they were going to a friend’s house to eat lasagna. That was true. But Monteleone had no idea the Saladino Award would be waiting for him at their destination.

“But once I saw the name Saladino on the door, I knew what was going on,’’ Monteleone said.

“Richard deserves the award,’’ said Permuy, “because of his pitching and hitting.’’

The 6-foot-4 right-hander is now waiting for the June 7 baseball draft, which will determine his future. Monteleone said he’s still debating on whether to play college baseball if the pro offer isn’t to his liking. Monteleone said he’s interested in schools such as Miami and Arizona State.

But college baseball isn’t too likely for Monteleone. He has been mentioned as a first-round selection and maybe even the first play chosen.

“If I get taken in the first round, everything will be fine and I’ll turn pro,’’ Monteleone said. “But I’m not worried about that right now. I’m just relaxing and waiting for the day of the draft. After that, I’ll be ready to go back to playing baseball for someone. I don’t have any preference about what team I go to.’’

No matter what happens in Monteleone’s future, though, he can look back fondly on his senior year, which produced enough memories for a lifetime.

“I’ll tell you the truth,’’ he said. “I don’t think this year could’ve been any better for me. We won the big one and I had a good year personally. Winning this award just caps a great year.’’