Rico Brogna Introduced As 8th BayBears Manager
Published on January 13, 2010 under Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
Rico Brogna will be new to the South in April when he takes over the Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club (Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks), but it didn't take long for him to fit in.
"Roll Tide Roll," Brogna said at his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Hank Aaron Stadium.
But then, he reached out to the other half of the state telling the story of about his trip to Mobile.
"When I drove through Auburn, I got out and took a look around and found myself torn," Brogna said. "It's just great to be here."
Brogna was introduced Wednesday as the BayBears' manager for 2010. Mobile native Turner Ward returns for his second season as hitting coach and Dan Carlson will be the pitching coach for his third season.
Brogna spent nine seasons in the major leagues with Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Atlanta and the New York Mets and said he hopes to bring the things he learned during his career to up-and-coming players in the Diamondbacks organization.
"I want to help develop players for the next level with the Diamondbacks, but I also want to be a part of this community," Brogna said. "Spending nine seasons in the big leagues, was about nine seasons more than I would get when I was where these guys are. I think I can help these guys be ready for the next level when they get there."
Brogna's had a long and winding road to get to this point. He has been a scout for the Diamondbacks, worked as a volunteer football coach at Wesleyan University and was later head coach of the boys' basketball team at his high school alma mater. After his stint with the basketball team, Brogna then took over as minor league field coordinator during the 2009 season for the Diamondbacks, and now how his first managerial job.
Asked about being manager for the first time, Brogna was confident and curious.
"I'm not really sure what kind of manager I'm going to be," he said. "I'm full of emotion out on the field, but I was never thrown out of a game during my career. The players will know that I have their back and I expect them to have mine. I've learned a lot from the guys I've played under and I just want to help teach and coach the players that we will have."
Brogna said he might have to take some lessons from the BayBears' new logo.
"The new BayBears logo is an aggressive bear," Brogna said. "I want that to be a symbol as well for how our team plays."
Brogna and the BayBears will get the season started April 8th on the road in Montgomery and return for the home opener Wednesday, April 14th against the Birmingham Barons at Hank Aaron Stadium. The BayBears and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama will help kickoff the season with a luncheon on April 13, honoring the Youths of the Year from all seven Boys & Girls Clubs. In addition, the Boys & Girls Club will help celebrate the opening of the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum the next night, with more than 200 club members in attendance.
For tickets and more information call 251-479-BEAR or to purchase tickets online visit www.mobilebaybears.com.
Southern League Stories from January 13, 2010
- Rico Brogna Introduced As 8th BayBears Manager - Mobile BayBears
- Mississippi Braves Announce New Dance Team - Mississippi Braves
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