20060321 - Every morning - "And I do mean every morning," Julie Urso said - her 5-year-old son, J.D., dresses in a baseball uniform. When he reaches his school's parking lot, he changes into his school uniform in the car. When the final school bell rings, he runs to the bathroom and pulls from his backpack his baseball uniform, which he changes into. When it's time for a bath, which often follows a Little League game, Julie said, "I have to practically tear the uniform off him to get him in the tub." After the bath, J.D. puts on another baseball uniform until just before he falls asleep, when he switches to pajamas. "I told him the other day I'm sick of washing baseball uniforms," Julie said. "I said, "No uniforms for a day,' and incredibly, he agreed." The next day J.D. and his 2 1/2-year-old brother, Preston, walked in wearing tank tops, but before Julie could get excited, the kids turned around. Written on their backs in big, thick marker were, as J.D. pointed out, "Baseball numbers!" No. 10 and No. 18. This week, however, Julie says she has no issue with the uniforms because, "It's Saladino Tournament week!" That means J.D., Preston, Julie and her husband, University of Tampa head baseball coach Joe Urso, will be at UT's field all day, every day. "The kids wake up, put on their uniforms and start asking when we are going to the Saladino Tournament," said Julie, who, like her husband, assists with hosting the tournament because they believe it's great for local baseball. Today the Ursos undoubtedly will arrive before 10 a.m. for the first quarterfinal. As for J.D. and Preston, expect them to be there through the 7 p.m. quarterfinal, on the sidelines, throwing and hitting rubber balls, and getting their uniforms dirty. (Photo by Brian Cassella, Text by Scott Purks / St. Petersburg Times)
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