Boulder catcher turned pro player reminisces about time in Rockland

On July 25th, former professional baseball player Stephen Cardullo was honored at a special “homecoming” game at the New York Boulder’s Boulder Stadium. During the game a personalized banner was revealed, showcasing the aptly titled “Cardullo’s Corner”. This banner honors not only Cardullo’s positions of playing left field and corner outfield for the NY Boulders, but also his rise to playing with Major League Baseball. Following the three seasons Cardullo played with the Boulders, he went on to become their first player to graduate to the MLB when he signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2016.

Cardullo largely credits his rise to Major League Baseball with his time spent in Rockland County. For the duration of his time with the Boulders, Cardullo lived with local Rockland County host family Dick and Mary Whitford. Cardullo described them as being “unbelievable people, the nicest people you’d ever meet…it was a home away from home”. Cardullo also warmly shared his appreciation for the Boulder’s fanbase, stating “I think the Boulders had one of the best fan bases… it’s unreal to have that level of support”. 

For this visit to Rockland, Cardullo had his own personal fan club attending. His two daughters and wife were in the stands for his game, cheering on Cardullo and the dedication of Cardullo’s Corner. He shared that this was “the first time my daughters [have] ever seen me play a live game”. In an emotional interview given during the unveiling, Cardullo is shown describing the dedication as “a great blessing”, referencing his wife and children up in the stands and stating “It’s great to be back”.

Cardullo is currently the CEO of Dullo Zone baseball in Florida, where he does skill camps, coaching, and private lessons for youth players. He began Dullo Zone in 2022 and says that working with children has not only helped him learn patience, but has helped him to“…become a better father as well”. Cardullo encourages all children to become involved in sports. As a child, Cardullo himself was heavily involved with a multitude of sports including ice hockey, soccer, football, and of course, baseball.  Of course, he holds a soft spot for baseball, but his adoration for the sport springs from a surprising place. “It’s a game of failure”, he says, continuing with “You are failing more than you are succeeding.” Cardullo believes that this “game of failure” helps children to “build a great sense of confidence in [themselves] to deal with ups and downs.”

While this game was Cardullo’s first professional game since 2021, it sounds like it might not be his last. Coming up to Rockland and seeing the fans and Boulder Stadium has left an undeniable impact, and Cardullo shared “I want to do it again next year!”. Hopefully Rockland will get to cheer on Cardullo in summer of 2025, but until then get your tickets for the next game at nyboulders.com/home, and catch a glimpse of Cardullo’s Corner for yourself.