Player Profile: Rico Brogna

I have 64 cards of Rico Brogna. This one is from 1998 Upper Deck.

Playing career: First baseman Rico Brogna played nine seasons in the major leagues, mostly for the Mets and Phillies. In 848 games he hit .269 with 106 HR and 458 RBI. He topped 20 homers in four different seasons and led the National League with 10 sacrifice flies in 1998. A fuller account of his career can be found at The Greatest 21 Days.

Where he is now: He started the 205 season as player information coach for the Angels, and took a leave of absence when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in May. He returned to the team in June, but in July was reassigned to the pro scouting department after GM Jerry DiPoto was fired.

My memories: I remember him vaguely with the Mets but nothing specific.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Rico B, ahead of Rico Brooklyn, a lighting store in Gowanus. There do not appear to be any other prominent Rico Brognas.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Jack Brohamer.