A 22-year-old senior from Orlando, Fla., catcher Tony Caldwell is no stranger to fresh grass stains, sweat-drenched hat-hair or the echoing roars of supportive fans who loyally pile in the stands every game day to watch him and his Tiger teammates in action.
Majoring in sociology, but eager to shift his focus toward studying criminology, Caldwell claims his admiration for sports first began when he came out of his mother's womb.
"I've always had the passion," Caldwell said. "I don't think I'll ever lose it."
Having been on the Auburn baseball team for four years now, Caldwell has successfully lived out his childhood dream of playing college ball.
Caldwell says the reality of playing has surpassed all expectations he once had as a competition-hungry middle-schooler.
"Right when I came here I knew (Auburn) was home," Caldwell said. "I love the way it is--the tradition, the way the town revolves around the college.
"It was everything I wanted.
"The students, the town--everyone's involved. I'm thankful for having the opportunity to play Auburn baseball."
While he's earned the title of Auburn's "Athlete of the Week," Caldwell once played only a minuscule part during his days as a newbie to America's favorite pastime.
At age 6, Caldwell dedicated his free time to his older brother's travel team as the nominal batboy.
It wasn't long until he found himself on the same kind of elite team, but this time in the lineup.
Growing up, the dedicated athlete also enjoyed playing football and basketball.
At one point, Caldwell even tried his hand at wrestling.
"We were big sports fans growing up," Caldwell said of his four brothers and sister. "Those were the days; each of us played something."
Caldwell claims he was somewhat of a bully on the field as a youngster.
"What was I like as a kid? A badass!" Caldwell said, laughing. "I was mean as a kid.
"Having older brothers, I was really competitive."
Head coach John Pawloswki said Caldwell has made improvements behind the plate and continues to become a better baseball player.
"He's a teammate who cares about everyone," Pawlowski said. "I think he's a leader.
"He has provided leadership for our entire team. He's very motivated and is a very versatile player.
"Besides the skills, we look for someone who can lead both on and off the field--someone who's in it for the right reasons--Tony Caldwell fits that mold."
Pawlowski isn't the only person who notices Caldwell's positive attributes.
"Tony is very dependable and hardworking," said Zach Blatt, pitcher for the Auburn Tigers. "Actually, I can't say hardworking enough.
"He blocks up the plate well. Defensively he's top-notch. All around, he's a great player."
Despite the satisfaction he gets from a red cotton-stitched, leather-covered ball of yarn and a comfortably worn-in catcher's mitt, Caldwell prefers a more laid-back environment when his busy schedule allows.
"I'm somewhat of an outdoorsman," Caldwell said. "If I weren't playing baseball, I would be an avid deer hunter or a saltwater fisherman--that or a coach.
"I would love to give back."
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