When most sports-minded Texans hear someone speak of Refugio, they likely think of high school football, at which the town’s Bobcats have excelled for years. But a strong argument can be made for thinking of baseball and the possibility of a small-town athlete making it to the major leagues, of which Refugio has produced three.
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The first of the three to be mentioned should be, of course, Nolan Ryan who was born in Refugio on January 31, 1947. Actually, the family lived in Woodsboro, and when Nolan was just six weeks old, moved to Alvin, in south Houston, not far from the Johnson Space Center.
In 2024, Nolan Ryan is often referred to as “the Ryan Express.” More popular in his birth town, however, is his designation as “the Refugio Rifle.” Ryan still holds the major league record for most strikeouts, 5,774. Also, he is renowned for having pitched 7 no-hitters.
Rocky Bridges entered this life on August 7, 1927. However, he didn't live very long in Refugio. His family soon moved to Califiornia, where he grew up.
Over several years, Bridges was a utility infielder for seven major league teams, 3 National, 4 American. He was much admired by his teammates and a fine standup comedian.
After his four years with the Cincinnati Reds, Bridges said it took him “almost that long to learn how to spell it.
And after he was designated a 1958 all star, Bridges remarked, "That surprised everybody. They almost started an investigation."
Bridges passed away in Idaho. at the age of 87.
The third professional baseballer born in Refugio (October 16, 1956) is Dan Firova, who was recently named manager for the Toros Tijuana of the Mexican league, in which he had previously managed and named “Manager of the Year” in 2000. From January 28, 2021, until his most recent new assignment, Firova was the “Quality Control Coach” for the Houston Astros.
As a freshman in Refugio HS, Firova, in shop class, cut off the little finger on his throwing hand, ending any possibility he might have excelled as a pitcher and closing out as well any local discussion of his stopping up with his natural abilities to become a great Bobcat quarterback.
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