My name is Jimmy Calandra , I was once a member of the infamous 'Bath Ave Crew' located in Bensonhurst Brooklyn NY. My Neighborhood was a recruitment center for the Five Crime Families of New York City. These wise guys watch you as your growing up and look for kids they can mold into thieves, crooks, and murderers. In time they recruit us and teach us the trade of a wiseguy. As your coming up and committing crimes, these men put you on record with them and they teach you how to earn. In return they introduce you to a circle of Underworld crime figures that is the Mafia. They teach you that we are responsible for each others actions and that they are your Brothers, and if they call you in the middle of the night "you come with no questions asked! And someday you too will be a Made Member of our Family. Just be patient and do what you are told "Even if it means Killing your Best Friend that you grew up with all of your Life. "Memories & Redemption" Jimmy Calandra A Bath Ave Story.
I love ur videos….strong warning to play on the safe side for those those who need to hear it, I wish my cousins and friends I knew 40 years ago cud have seen these videos back then, might have saved a few of them from death and prison. Keep talking Jimmy please, don’t let anyone stop you and don’t worry about others who might run theirs mouths, your stories may save a few young lives and that’s worth it. I believe in you and value your words and experiences so don’t stop trying to reach the kids but Please do be careful and stay safe. Some of us need you out there, this world is such a lonely place at times. Thank You for ur stories❤
I love ur videos….its awesome to see where the old places use to be, wish they were still there…..Sammy’s old construction company, is that painted sign on the side wall his old sign? that says Rocco’s construction.
I grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the '60s. It wasn't a great neighborhood, but it was NOTHING like Bath Avenue as described by Jimmy Calandra. There was a lot of animosity between Blacks and Italians back then. I could identify with the story in "A Bronx Tale," as that's exactly how it was in my neighborhood. I knew maybe two guys who were actual killers and one kid (sixteen years old) who was shot and killed during a dispute in a tenement hallway. There were rumors about why he was killed and who did it, but nothing was ever proven and no one was arrested and charged. That was about the extent of it. There were gangs, predominantly Italian with a few Irish thrown in, but Bath Avenue was a totally different world. As far as I know, most of the kids I grew up with turned out to lead decent, law abiding lives, they were pretty much wannabes and nothing more. It was something they lived long enough to outgrow, fortunately. I'm not a violent guy by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm wondering if I would have been able to avoid getting caught up in that whole scene if I grew up in that area of Brooklyn or could somehow have avoided it. Jimmy's very lucky he's in a good place right now, his life could have easily gone the other way. I wish him the best.
Bensonhurst similar to where i grew up in Ozone park except for less killings on the streets. I never meet Anthony Spero but i did meet Curly is he still alive ?
Much love bro. Depression is awful I fight it everyday. Depression Alcohol homeless shelter. I found God. Trust him bro. I'm almost out. Peace to you and your family
Love this video Jimmy! Have watched it many times. Miss you and your content. Hope you post something soon. Hope you’re doing well and enjoying life. Take care Jimmy, god bless. 👍🏼🙏
Since Tommy is being released from prison maybe y’all can do a few scenes together in Shia laboof’s movie 🎥🍿 I’m sure there’s no hard feelings after all these decades
Hello Jimmy, former LOE here and Ive beenalways fascinated with the life of the bath Avenue Crew and the mafia in Southern Brooklyn. Glad you are well!! God Bless
God bless you Jimmy it's good to see that you're doing good I swear to God I hope one day me and you would bump into each other sometimes I'm down there in Brooklyn you know I got a few ex-girlfriends out there and stuff that moved out there 10 years ago but just saying I would love to bump into you and introduce myself and the you know talk about the good old days
