Dennis Zitello shares his Walk to recovery with fellow ex-addicts, families today in Boardman

BOARDMAN

When Dennis Zitello Jr. was 14, his baseball talents and athleticism were such that he was part of a youth group that played a game with a Pittsburgh Pirates farm team in Florida.

The teen never thought, however, that such promise would place him on a trajectory that led to years of drug addiction.

“That could have led to the minor leagues, but I thought I was missing out on life. Baseball made me feel like I was missing out,” the 38-year-old Youngstown man said, referring to a major catalyst that put him on the fast track for using drugs, getting into fights and making other negative choices.

Nevertheless, Zitello also has spent several years working to turn his life around and beat his addictions. That includes sharing his struggles to help others – something he did while hosting Saturday’s “Walking in Recovery, In These Streets” gathering at Boardman Park.

During the five-hour event and cookout that many family members and friends attended, Zitello signed copies of his 2016 book, “In These Streets.”

The book is a collection of poems and illustrations that highlight his addictions while trying to offer encouragement and hope to others undergoing the same or similar struggles. Additional themes throughout include handling depression and dealing with having been a victim of sexual abuse, Zitello noted.

Read more about his journey in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.