Who We Are at Tony Zefiretto

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Tony's career in professional baseball began in May of 1998.  A month into the season, h e joined the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Houston Astros) staff. During his time, he was the top ticket salesperson. Ownership had just built an outfield grass berm and was having difficult marketing the area. Tony came up with the concept to sell it as a group event party area. During his speaking engagements Tony would promote the berm area, thus, he quickly filled the outfield berm with company events for all to see. His accomplishments, customer service and work ethic were noticed. During the season, he was hired by Nolan Ryan's Group to help start the Round Rock Express (AA Houston Astros) franchise.   

Tony was proud to be the New Orleans Zephyrs top ticket salesperson while being part of the staff that set AAA attendance records,

 As his family waited to relocate to Texas,  they returned home to Florida to sell their house.  During this time, he applied as an hourly employee of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Despite sharing his commitment to the Round Rock Express, he was one of 30 part time employees hired. Tony was quickly promoted twice to the position of the person in charge of group sales. He was now training the same personnel; he was hired with. His commitment to the community allowed him to become the top ticket salesperson in the organization. As the season approached, he was given the responsibility of overseeing game day customer service.

In late May of 1999, Tony resigned from the Devil Rays to honor his commitment to the Round Rock Express.

 During his first season in Texas, the team played some games at the University of Texas. In his second season, Tony was part of the management team that signed the stadium naming rights for the new Dell Diamond while opening the Heritage Conference Center. 

The staff was recognized by minor league baseball for its creative marketing materials and for having the best new mascot.

 After the team's inaugural season at the Dell Diamond, the Dodgers offered Tony the position of Vice President for their new team in Wilmington, NC.

     As the Vice President of the Wilmington Waves (Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate), he was recognized by South Atlantic League President John Moss for the team's accomplishments in Wilmington. The team's mascot and team logo were specifically recognized by minor league baseball.  Despite having the smallest stadium in all minor league baseball, the Waves were in the top half of attendance in the 16 team South Atlantic League and the top 60% of all of minor league baseball. After spending a week in Wilmington, in his second book on US minor league baseball, Japanese sportswriter Bert Shimada selected the Wilmington Waves as having the second-best fan experience in all of minor league baseball.   Just prior to the team's second season, a new owner decided to relocate the Waves to Georgia, Tony decided to accept the position as General Manager of the Atlantic League's Newark Bears Professional Baseball team.

 Tony arrived in Newark two weeks into the season. The team was projected to lose $250,000; Tony changed the entire structure of the organization and made the team profitable which allowed the owner to sell the team at the conclusion of the season. Despite  the new ownerships offer to become the teams GM/VP , Tony elected to return to affiliated baseball  and accept the position as Senior Director of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

In his roll as the Assistant General Manager of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Baseball America recognized the team for building the fan friendly Carolina Cool Zone. Minor League Baseball recognized the organization for its marketing and sales brochures.

Tony and his staff have enjoyed many accomplishments. He has managed staff that set attendance records in Round Rock, Augusta Myrtle Beach and Newark. 

In 2003, while working for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Atlanta Braves affiliate), Tony immediately established a relationship with the members of the new Coastal Carolina University football program, their athletic department and the ownership/front office of the Myrtle Beach Stingrays arena football team. The Stingrays General Manager was long time arena football executive Jack Bowman. Jack asked Tony to assist with marketing and sales. Since he was in need of coaches, Jack asked Tony to be his assistant head coach. This started their long-term friendship. 

In the spring of 2008, Jack asked Tony to analyze the Augusta Colts arena football team.  

After evaluating the franchise, Tony restructured budgets, operations, marketing, and customer service. The team sold out its last two games and the team became profitable.  The owner offered Tony ownership in the team if he would remain in Augusta.  Tony's and his family were still residing in Wilmington, NC, thus he declined.

In 2016, Tony and Jack co-founded the Arena Pro Football League. In 2017, the league played with six teams in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia, After the season, leagues and teams wanted to join the APF. Team owners requested a new identity as the league quickly grew. The American Arena League was formed and with approximately 100 players with NFL ties participating annually. Despite the passing of his friend and business partner, Tony forged forward growing the AAL to 16 teams as the largest professional arena football league in the US.

Tony also had been consulting. Previous clients included the Marilyn Monroe Foundation, an artist who focused on sports celebrities, a sports memorabilia company, restaurants, and individuals who were working on their professional growth. In the spring of 2021, Tony sold the AAL and has continued consulting.

Anthony  (Tony) Zefiretto was born in Brooklyn, NY. Tony was inducted into the Minor League Football Hall of Fame in 2017. As an instructor and Assistant Director at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, he founded and was the Faculty Advisor for the award winning Up til Dawn Student Organization. Under his leadership the student organization was nationally recognized for their fund-raising efforts for St Jude’s Children's Hospital. Earlier in his career he was a Chapter Leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He provided an opportunity for students to interact athletically and through music and arts and crafts programs. Tony also started the Hernando County Mentor Program whereas high school student athletes served as role models to both middle and elementary school students. 

 
EARLY YEARS

Tony is an American professional sports executive and former college baseball and football coach. At a young age, Tony began working as a counselor and coach at the Joe Namath Football Camp. Each year his responsibilities grew as did his relationship with camp owners Joe Namath and John Dockery. When he first met his wife Laura, Tony brought her to Jones Beach to meet Joe as he performed in Damn Yankees. His relationship with Joe continued through the years and his respect was often shared with his son, Anthony and daughter, Valerie. In 2014, Tony attended an event with Joe. Joe encouraged Tony to visit  so he could meet Tony's college age son and daughter. To this day Anthony and Valerie repeatedly express their incredible experience in meeting Joe Namath while consistently sharing their positive thoughts about him.

New York Coaching

Observing the daily passion that both Joe and John exhibited to teach youngers about football and family values led Tony to his successful coaching career. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from Brooklyn College, in 1982,Tony began his coaching career as an Assistant Football Coach at Brooklyn College. Simultaneously, he accepted the position as Head Baseball Coach at Thomas Jefferson H.S. in Brooklyn. After leading the Orange Wave to the playoffs and a second-place finish, he was selected to the staff of the NYC High School Baseball All Star Team. Shortly thereafter, Tony accepted the position as Head Baseball Coach at City College. In addition to leading the program to respectability, his responsibilities included teaching two classes during the spring semesters. Since CCNY did not offer a fall baseball program, in 1983, he was able to be promoted to the position of Assistant Head Football Coach at Brooklyn College. 

In the spring of 1984, Tony accepted the position as Dean/Head Football coach at his alma mater, Lafayette H.S. in Brooklyn, N.Y. The team had previously forfeited its entire season. As a resident within the Bensonhurst, Brooklyn community and alumni, he was a pillar in the community.

After losing the first four games of the 1983 season, Lafayette won four of its last five games. Tony was selected as an Assistant Coach to the Brooklyn Senior Bowl All Star Team. In 1985 the Redmen were the Undefeated Brooklyn Champions. Tony was selected as the N.Y Daily News and the N.Y. Newsday Coach of the Year and Head Coach of the Brooklyn Senior Bowl All Star Team. In 1985 the team was nationally ranked and once again made the playoffs.
 

At City College of New York Tony was selected to coach the CUNY Conference All Star teams in each of his three seasons, and his CCNY baseball team won the regular season CUNY Conference Baseball Championship.

ALL PRO BASEBALL CAMPS 

The following summer, Tony founded All Pro Baseball Camps, Inc. The summer baseball camps incorporated players and coaches from major league teams in their respective cities including the Atlanta Braves (Jim Beauchamp/Jimy Williams), Houston Astros, (Matt Galante) Cincinnati Reds (John Franco), Texas Rangers (Dave Oliver), Minnesota Twins (Tony Oliva), Kansas City Royals (Glenn Ezell), Boston Red Sox (Kevin Kennedy) and Philadelphia Phillies (Denis Menke). After leading the CCNY baseball team to the conference finals in 1985, Tony resigned to focus on All Pro Baseball Camps, Inc.

FLORIDA

In 1986, Tony relocated his family to Florida and was hired to initiate and oversee a county wide middle school dropout prevention program (ILAP). The following year, he was hired as Head Baseball Coach at Central HS. In his two seasons his team’s varsity record was 27- 7. He also continued his education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Brooklyn College.  

In 1990, Tony was hired as Athletic Director/Dean at Springstead HS to stabilize the financially struggling athletic program. At the same time, former Pittsburgh Pirates reliever, Fred Cambria was hired as Head Baseball Coach at St Leo College. Fred brought on Tony and Frank Verdi (former NY Yankees minor league manager). Tony assisted with recruiting and fall practices. At Springstead, he oversaw its growth to one of the largest high schools in Florida. While it expanded, he was the only administrator with responsibilities at two campuses, Tony oversaw the creation of the county's Athletic Handbook, formulated the guidelines for the school district’s compliance of Title IX regulations, was one of the founders of the Sunshine Athletic Conference and the prestigious Gulf Athletic Conference, founded the Springstead HS Athletic Hall of Fame and the state’s first Athletic Coaching Certification Program. The judicial system appointed him as an officer within the county's judicial system. As an officer of Teen Court, his responsivities included overseeing court appointed sentences for offenders. Tony was also the project manager at both campuses for the renovations and new construction of the school’s athletic facilities. To raise money for the school Tony hosted team tournaments and expanded the school’s athletic programs to 36 teams. He also began his professional wrestling career as he rose to become the World Professional Wrestling (WPW) Heavyweight Championship. 

BATTING WORLD

Tony’s love for coaching continued through his camp business. In 1992, he opened his commercial business of Batting World (batting cages) with his father, Liborio Zefiretto and friend Donald Vendrone on the premises of the local youth athletic complex. He also provided free instructions to the local community in multiple sports. His entrepreneurship received push-back from the local civic association who took legal action to close Batting World. Batting World prevailed and it continued to provide a service to the local youth.

In Clearwater, Florida, Tony and former major league coaches Jimmy Williams and Jim Beauchamp continued their friendship that was  initiated through All Pro Baseball Camps, Inc by opening their first camp in Florida.

In 1996, Tony was asked to take over the baseball program at Springstead H.S. In his first year, his state ranked team won the school’s first ever district championship in its 25-year existence.
 

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

NEW ORLEANS

During spring training in 1998, Tony was offered the opportunity to join the ranks of professional baseball. In May of 1998, Tony resigned from his position at Springstead High School, sold Batting World and a month into the season, he joined the exciting second year Houston Astros AAA team in New Orleans. His commitment to community involvement quickly paid off. He was the organization’s top ticket salesperson. Prior to games, Tony was allowed to continue his love for baseball as he was on the field coaching with the Astros staff. When former Mets outfielder and fan favorite Ron Swoboda, elected to separate himself from the team’s baseball academy, Tony was asked to coordinate the weeklong camp. It was a huge success. 

Unfortunately, during this time, the school district in Florida learned of Tony’s success and was informed that he officially had resigned, they went to the local paper and falsely claimed that Tony was dismissed. Tony was enjoying himself thus, it did not a concern Tony. Soon after, the team’s first base coach had to take a brief leave from the team, the Astros offered Tony the temporary job as first base coach. Upon discussing this with his General Manager, Tony was informed that Nolan Ryan was purchasing the minor league team in Jackson, Mississippi. Instead of accepting the Astros offer, he was asked to join the efforts to relocate the Jackson team to Round Rock, Texas.

 
PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

Tony was offered the opportunity to oversee the sales and operations of ticket sales for the new Round Rock Express. Tony declined the coaching opportunity in anticipation of relocating to Texas. He returned his family to Florida to sell their house. In September of 1998, with his house still for sale, Tony received a call informing him his relocation to Texas was delayed because the city now anticipated building Round Rock’s Stadium. It was going to be placed on the November Ballot. He had two choices, to quickly find a job or the team would immediately relocate him and his family so he could start establishing the parameters of the ticket sales process. Ironically, two days later, he opened the Sunday paper and noticed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were  hiring hourly sales employees.
Despite sharing his intentions to relocate to Round Rock, he was immediately hired by the Devil Rays. He worked closely and learned from legendary baseball genius Mike Veeck while team owner Vice Naimoli often showed his gratitude to Tony for his professionalism, enthusiasm, and work effort. When the NCAA Final Four came to St Petersburg, Tony was offered an operations position to oversee the community festivities. Vince rewarded Tony with his personal suite for his family to enjoy the Final Four games. After only a brief stint as an hourly employee, Tony was elevated to a full time Group Sales position. When the Director of Group sales resigned, Tony was once again promoted to be in charge of the Devil Rays Group Sales Department. Tony trained and oversaw the team’s full season and group ticket sales and the game day customer service staff. His commitment to the local community kept him busy with speaking engagements as he booked appearances at any and all community events including at Raymond James, the Plant City Strawberry Festival and the Honeywell Corporation's annual event to support the Special Olympics.

Tony was enjoying his experience, however, as the season began, he faced the reality of his commitment to the Round Rock Express. He relied on Mike Veeck as a resource to decide whether to leave for Round Rock or stay in St Petersburgh. Mike shared that minor league baseball would allow Tony to utilize his creative mind for fan friendly experiences, thus Tony relocated his family to Texas where he helped establish the foundation for one of the most successful baseball teams in minor league history.
 

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL 

ROUND ROCK

In Round Rock, Tony was an instrumental part of the management team that signed the Dell Diamond naming rights, set revenue and attendance records, and was acknowledged by minor league baseball for their creative marketing materials.

Since he had already been resigned from education for almost two years, Tony did not know the local Florida newspaper continued its quest to minimize his accomplishments from when he was Athletic Director. The paper did not know of his relocation and was irritated he refused to respond to their inquiries. Their obsession for justifying their negative articles continued for two year including while he was in Round Rock. Without the support of his former employer the newspaper decided  to press charges two years after his departure from the school system.  They continued to print and fabricate negative articles against Tony based on the misinformation provided by the school district. Ironically, the county school system knew the truth, thus they avoided Tony taking legal action against them by feeding the newspaper false information. Since without any evidence of wrong doing by Tony, the school district  had no intention to press charges. Plus,  Tony had already been residing out of state for almost two years, the two counts of grand theft brought forth by the newspaper were quickly dismissed, and his record was expunged.

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL WILMINGTON WAVES

After setting up the marketing plan and the ticket sales parameters for the 2001 season and the AA All Star Game and receiving his second Championship Ring, Tony accepted the position of Vice President of the Los Angeles affiliate in Wilmington, North Carolina. Tony created and implemented budgets, sales, marketing, HR and operational processes for the new Wilmington Waves franchise. He was also the Project Manager for the renovations to Brooks Field on the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He also ensured a smooth team relocation, from San Bernardino, CA. Despite having the smallest stadium in all minor league baseball teams, the Waves were in the top half of attendance in the 16 team South Atlantic League and the top 60% of all minor league baseball. After spending a week in Wilmington, in his second book on US minor league baseball, Japanese sportswriter Bert Shimada selected the Wilmington Waves as having the second-best fan experience in all minor league baseball.

Just prior to the team’s second season, the new owner decided to relocate the franchise to Albany, GA. Tony declined the offer to remain as the team’s VP/GM and relocate.

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

NEWARK BEARS

In 2002 during the first week of May, Tony joined the Newark Bears Professional Baseball Team as the General Manager. Already projected to lose $250,000, while keeping the staff in place, Tony restructured the team’s budget, operations, marketing, sales process, promotions and customer service. The team quickly became profitable which enabled the owner to sell the team at the conclusion of the season. The Newark Bears also provided an opportunity for Tony to utilize his coaching/player evaluation skills. The Atlantic League is the premier independent league. Tony made over 70 trades and transactions including hiring his old friend Frank Verdi as the team’s pitching coach. He signed former MLB players and revamped the roster which led to the Newark Bears to winning their first Atlantic League Championship. The team set a variety of attendance records as the citizens of Newark and its surrounding communities sold out Bears games. At the conclusion of the season, the now marketable team was sold. Tony declined the offer to become the team's VP/ GM and accepted the position as Senior Director for the struggling Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
 

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL 

MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS  (Atlanta Braves Affiliate)

With the title of Senior Director, his role was that of the Assistant General Manager, Tony kept the previous staff and once again restructured the team’s operations, budgets, sales strategies, marketing, promotions, and customer service. He was the liaison to the Braves organization, season ticket and suite owners and to both city and county officials while initiating the renewal of the naming rights of Coastal Federal Field. He also wrote weekly in-season articles for the North Myrtle Beach Times. For the first time in franchise history revenue and attendance increased from the previous seasons, the entire sales and marketing staff attained their sales goals and the team set an individual game attendance record. The Pelicans were the only team in the Carolina League to increase attendance during the 2003 season. 

In 2004, the Pelicans continued to soar at the box office and their sponsorship continued to rise until one of their long-time inherited staff members was arrested for sexual harassment.  Many of the staff departed from the organization. Tony was the first to resign. Tony's departure initiated declining revenue; thus ownership sold the team in 2006.

In 2003, while working for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Tony immediately established a relationship with the members of the new Coastal Carolina University football program, their athletic department and the ownership/management of the Myrtle Beach Stingrays arena football team. The Stingrays General Manager was long time arena football executive Jack Bowman. Jack asked Tony to assist with marketing and sales and offered him the position of Assistant Head Coach. This started their long-term friendship.
In June of 2004, Tony’s friendship with Jack Bowman lead to continued opportunities in professional arena football. Whenever a team was struggling financially, Jack would ask Tony to evaluate the team.
 

UNCW

In 2006, the University of North Carolina Wilmington was building and renovating facilities. Without a director Tony was hired as the Assistant Director of Event Services. He created new operational procedures, budgets, and staffing. He hired, trained and evaluated the staff of Event Managers, Operations Managers and Event Specialists. The university opened a conference Center, the largest movie theater in Wilmington, a Game Room, an amphitheater, restaurants and restructured their ballroom. With over 100 reservable spaces, Tony and his staff increased revenues by 300% signing and managing concerts, weddings, television shows, the filming of movies, political debates, the Governors Forum, movie premiers and sadly a student's funeral. Most importantly, his staff annually received a 98% or higher approval rating. Tony became a guest lecturer in the Cameron School of Business and in the school’s Department of Recreation. In 2007, this led to him being hired as an adjunct professor.

In 2008, Tony travelled to Augusta, GA to assist his friend Jack Bowman on analyzing the Augusta Colts professional arena football team. His restructuring of the organization led to the team setting attendance and revenue records. Tony’s success led to him being offered ownership in the team. On July 28, 2008, while visiting Augusta, Tony was a passenger in an auto accident. His injuries included breaking C2 and C3. After recovering from briefly being a quadriplegic, Tony returned to UNCW in late September. He sat on many of the school’s committees including being selected to the management team for the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship.

In May of 2014, his old friend Jack called to express his interest in partnering with Tony to start their own arena football league, Tony resigned from UNCW and the Arena Pro Football League was formed. His consulting opportunities continued. His clients included company, restaurants, and individuals who were working on their professional growth. In the spring of 2021, Tony sold the AAL and has continued consulting.