Bob Aspromonte
Baseball
Bob Aspromonte had a distinguished baseball career, highlighted by his time with several Major League teams, including the Houston Colt .45s (later the Astros), Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Aspromonte followed in the footsteps of his younger brother, Ken, who also became an MLB player and manager. After graduating, Aspromonte debuted in the minor leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers and made his brief major league appearance at age 18 in 1956. He struck out as a pinch hitter in his only at-bat with the Dodgers, but he would go on to play in the majors for several seasons.
In 1961, Aspromonte was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster, but in 1962, he was selected by the Houston Colt .45s in the expansion draft. He became a key player for the franchise, primarily playing third base, and earned the distinction of being the first batter in the team’s history on April 10, 1962. Aspromonte singled and scored the team’s first-ever run. He remained a cornerstone of the Astros’ infield for six seasons, helping to establish the team in its early years.
In 1968, Aspromonte was traded to the Atlanta Braves, and later in 1970, to the New York Mets. His final MLB season in 1971 included a historic moment: Aspromonte became the last player to appear in the majors who had once played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In his final game, he went hitless but made a lasting mark as the last connection to the iconic Brooklyn team.
Over his career, Aspromonte accumulated 1,103 hits, including 135 doubles, 26 triples, and 60 home runs. He also held the Astros’ record for grand slams with six until 2011. In 2019, Aspromonte was honored as an inaugural member of the Houston Astros Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy with the franchise.
Ken Aspromonte
Baseball
Kenneth Aspromonte left a legacy in Major League Baseball as an infielder, playing for multiple teams over a span of 10 seasons. His MLB journey included stints with the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels (American League), and the Milwaukee Braves and Chicago Cubs (National League). Known for his versatility and steady play, Aspromonte was a reliable presence on the field, contributing to various teams during the 1950s and early 1960s.
In addition to his playing career, Aspromonte also managed the Cleveland Indians for three seasons, further showcasing his baseball knowledge and leadership skills. His tenure as a manager, although brief, added another layer to his rich baseball legacy.
After retiring from playing and managing, Aspromonte transitioned to a successful career outside of baseball. For 25 years, he served as the Coors beer distributor in Houston, building a strong reputation in the business world as he continued to stay connected to his community.
In recognition of his achievements both on and off the field, Aspromonte was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Famein 2011.
Tedy Bruschi
Football
Tedy Bruschi was the epitome of what it meant to be a New England Patriot during his 13 seasons with the team. Bill Belichick even referred to him as the “perfect player” at Bruschi’s retirement press conference in 2009. A seven-time team captain, Bruschi’s relentless work ethic, fierce intensity, and all-out approach set the standard for his teammates and made him a fan favorite in New England. Drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, Bruschi played in his first of five Super Bowls that same season and became one of the few Patriots to win three Super Bowl rings.
Over his 13 seasons, Bruschi helped lead the Patriots to 11 winning records, nine playoff appearances (including eight division titles), five conference championships, and three Super Bowl victories. In 211 career games (regular season and playoffs), New England posted a 144-67 record (.682), including a 16-6 playoff mark (.727). Bruschi earned his first Pro Bowl selection after the 2004 season, co-captaining a defense that allowed just 16.25 points per game—the third-fewest in franchise history.
Bruschi was known for making big plays in clutch moments. He remains the only player in NFL history to return four consecutive interceptions for touchdowns and his career total of four pick-sixes ranks second in Patriots history. After suffering a stroke in 2005, Bruschi founded “Tedy’s Team,” an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for stroke prevention in partnership with the American Stroke Association.
Tom Izzo
Football, Coach
Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tom Izzo developed a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life. That dedication helped him become a Division II All-American at Northern Michigan University after walking on to the team.
After a year coaching at Ishpeming High School and four seasons as an assistant at his alma mater, Izzo joined Michigan State in 1983 and became head coach in 1995. By his fourth season, his program reached its first of seven Final Fours in the next two decades. In just his fifth season, he led the Spartans to the 2000 NCAA national championship. Izzo went on to reach five more Final Fours, becoming the Big Ten’s all-time leader in NCAA Tournament appearances, wins, and consecutive berths.
Michigan State’s winningest coach, Izzo is known not only for his coaching success but also for his advocacy for fellow coaches and his commitment to the integrity of the game. He is also widely respected as one of the most accessible, candid, and personable figures in college basketball.
Angela Ruggiero
Hockey
Angela Ruggiero, born on January 3, 1980, in Panorama City, California, was raised in Harper Woods, Michigan. She began her hockey career at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut, where she became the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, winning gold in 1998. Ruggiero went on to compete in three more Olympic Games, earning silver in 2002, bronze in 2006, and silver again in 2010, while being named the tournament’s top defenceman in 2002 and 2006.
While at Harvard, Ruggiero played for the college hockey team, earning NCAA All-American honors every season and winning the Patty Kazmaier Award as the best collegiate player in her senior year (2004). She ranks sixth all-time in career points at Harvard, with 253 points (96 goals and 157 assists), the most by any defenceman.
In 2005, Ruggiero made history as the first woman to play in a regular-season professional hockey game in the U.S. (outside of goaltending) with the Tulsa Oilers, joining her brother Bill as the first brother-sister duo to play professionally at the same time.
Ruggiero was a key member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, winning nine World Championship medals, including a gold in 2005. She was named the tournament’s top defenceman four times and was a multiple-time media All-Star. She also played in the Four/Nations Cup, contributing to U.S. victories and podium finishes.
Over her career, Ruggiero played for several professional teams, including the Montreal Axion, Minnesota Whitecaps (with whom she won the 2008-09 WWHL Championship), and the Boston Blades in the CWHL. She retired from the U.S. National Team in December 2011 after an illustrious career.