Births on April 18

Rico Brogna, American baseball player and coach

Rico Joseph Brogna, born on April 18, 1970, is a well-regarded American former professional baseball player, primarily known for his tenure as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). Over the course of nine seasons, spanning from 1992 to 2001 (with a brief hiatus in 1993), Brogna showcased his talents with several prominent teams, including the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. His journey to the big leagues began when the Detroit Tigers recognized his potential, drafting him in the first round as the 26th overall pick in 1988, a significant accomplishment for any aspiring baseball player.

Early Life, Education, and Multi-Sport Excellence

Brogna's formative years were spent in an environment deeply connected to education and athletics. He attended the prestigious Taft School, a renowned boarding school in Watertown, Connecticut, where his parents served as educators. Later, he became a standout athlete at Watertown High School, also in Watertown, Connecticut. His versatility was remarkable, as he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. On the gridiron, Brogna distinguished himself as an exceptional quarterback, earning All-State honors and leading his team to a state championship victory in 1986. His prowess in football was so pronounced that he initially committed to play quarterback at Clemson University, a highly respected collegiate program. However, driven by his passion and potential in baseball, Brogna ultimately made the pivotal decision to forego a college football career and instead pursue professional baseball, a choice that set the stage for his MLB journey.

A Major League Career Marked by Highlights and Resilience

Brogna’s MLB career was a testament to his skill and remarkable resilience in the face of significant health challenges. A memorable moment in his career occurred on April 26, 1995, when, as a player for the New York Mets, he etched his name into baseball history by hitting the first-ever home run at the Colorado Rockies’ brand-new stadium, Coors Field, on its much-anticipated opening day. This grand occasion, marked by fanfare and excitement, saw Brogna deliver a powerful blast that delighted fans and opened a new chapter for the sport in Denver.

However, beneath the surface of his professional success, Brogna was navigating a serious medical condition. In 1991, he received a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and can lead to severe pain and stiffness. Managing this condition required daily medication and unwavering dedication to his health, a testament to his commitment to his career. Concerns about the long-term implications of his condition reportedly played a role in the Mets' decision to trade him to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 1996 season. Yet, Brogna defied expectations, recovering sufficiently to become a consistent offensive contributor for the Phillies and later the Red Sox and Braves for several seasons. Beyond his playing field contributions, Brogna courageously embraced his role as a national spokesperson for the Spondylitis Association of America, using his platform to raise awareness and support for others living with the disease.

During his time with the Phillies, Brogna achieved some of his most impressive statistical milestones. In 1998, he recorded a career-high 104 Runs Batted In (RBIs), demonstrating his clutch hitting ability, and led the National League with 10 sacrifice flies, a testament to his skill in advancing runners. The following year, 1999, saw him hit a career-high 24 home runs, further solidifying his reputation as a power-hitting first baseman. Brogna ultimately concluded his playing career, retiring from professional baseball in July 2001.

Post-Playing Career: A Diverse Path in Sports

After hanging up his cleats, Brogna remained deeply involved in the world of sports, embarking on a diverse and varied career path that included coaching, management, and scouting across different levels and disciplines. His post-playing journey began in 2006 when he managed the Post University baseball team, an NCAA Division II program, where the Eagles finished with an overall record of 13-40, including a 6-19 mark in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play.

Brogna also returned to his roots in Watertown, Connecticut, coaching the boys' basketball team at Watertown High School from 2006 to 2009. While his team's overall record during this period was 10-41, his dedication to mentoring young athletes was evident. He later ventured into high school football coaching, leading the Nonnewaug Chiefs in Woodbury, Connecticut. Following the 2008 football season, Brogna transitioned to a volunteer role as the wide receivers coach for the Wesleyan University football team, an NCAA Division III program.

His career trajectory then circled back to professional baseball in 2010 when he managed the Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks in Minor League Baseball (MILB). However, his passion for football resurfaced, and in 2011, Brogna was named the head football coach at Notre Dame-Fairfield High School in Connecticut. At that time, he publicly stated his intention to step away from baseball coaching and executive roles to fully commit to his football duties year-round. This stint was brief, as he resigned in 2012 after a 1-9 record in his sole season, subsequently taking on a scouting job with the Tampa Bay Rays, leveraging his deep understanding of baseball talent.

In 2013, Brogna made another return to his high school alma mater, joining the Watertown High School football team as the special teams and defensive line coach. His expertise eventually led him back to the MLB front office, as he was hired after the 2013 season as a special assistant to Jerry Dipoto, the then-general manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. By August 2014, his role evolved, and he was named the Angels' player-information coach, a position that likely involved data analysis and strategic insights for player development and game planning.

In 2015, Brogna faced another significant personal health challenge when he "felt a growth" during spring training, which was later diagnosed as testicular cancer. Demonstrating remarkable strength and resolve, he underwent surgery just five days after receiving his diagnosis on May 13, highlighting his swift action in addressing this serious condition. His enduring commitment to baseball saw him return to coaching in December 2017, when he was hired as a coach for the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A minor league team within the Philadelphia Phillies’ farm system, bringing his wealth of experience back to player development.

Personal Life

Away from the field and dugout, Rico Brogna built a lasting personal life. In 1992, he married his high school sweetheart, Melissa Shuhart, a testament to their enduring connection. Together, they have two children, a daughter named Alexa Grace and a son named Hunter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rico Brogna

Which MLB teams did Rico Brogna play for?

Rico Brogna played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves during his nine-season MLB career.

What was Rico Brogna's most notable career highlight?

One of his most memorable career highlights was hitting the first-ever home run at Coors Field, the home stadium of the Colorado Rockies, on its opening day on April 26, 1995.

What significant health challenges did Rico Brogna face during and after his career?

Rico Brogna was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of spinal arthritis, in 1991, which required daily medication throughout his playing career. Later, in 2015, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery shortly after the diagnosis.

Did Rico Brogna play football in college?

No, although Rico Brogna was an All-State quarterback in high school and initially signed a letter of intent to play football at Clemson University, he ultimately chose to pursue a professional baseball career instead.

What has Rico Brogna done since retiring as an MLB player?

Since retiring as a player in 2001, Rico Brogna has had a diverse career in sports, including managing college and minor league baseball teams, coaching high school basketball and football, coaching college football, serving as a scout for an MLB team, and working in MLB front offices as a special assistant to a general manager and a player-information coach. Most recently, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies' minor league coaching staff.