Tony Brunicardi (2nd year)

As just the sixth Head Baseball Coach in the history of the Skyline College Trojans program, Tony Brunicardi returns for his second season at the helm for the 2023 season.  Entering his 15^th collegiate coaching season and 12^th at Skyline College, Tony Brunicardi previously served as the Associate Head Coach for the Trojans under the legendary coach, Dino Nomicos.  Initially the pitching coach, Coach Brunicardi took on multiple roles, working with the offense, defense and pitching staff.  Coach Brunicardi was the recruiting coordinator, while also building the Trojans’ strength program, and assisting with the academic advising of student-athletes.

In his first season as manager, the Trojans made a historic run, earning their first conference championship since 2004 and third in school history.  Coach Brunicardi was named the North Coast Conference Coach of the Year and led the Trojans to a Super Regional appearance for just the 2^nd time in program history.  Individuals also benefited from the guidance of Coach Brunicardi as nine players signed scholarships, Rowen Barnes (UC Davis), Adrian Frias-Gonzalez (Willamette University), Conor Hourigan (Sacramento State University), Jace Jeremiah (St. John’s University), Jeremy Keller (Chico State University), Dominic Meza (Chico State University), Jesse Pierce (University of Nevada, Reno), Michael Sarhatt (University of Nevada, Reno), Levi Stubbles (The College of St. Scholastica).

Since Coach Brunicardi rejoined the Trojans in 2012, the program has felt the impact each year.  In each season as the pitching coach the pitching staff improved in Wins, K-BB Ratio, and Team ERA.  Individual success was also seen, as Coach Brunicardi was instrumental in the development of pitchers such as Dan Molieri (CSU Stanislaus), Julian Merryweather (Oklahoma Baptist-Toronto Blue Jays), Tyler Cyr (Embry-Riddle University-San Francisco Giants), Joe Carney (University of San Francisco), Aldo Severson (Sonoma State), Ray Falk (University of Mississippi), and Cole Watts (Houston Astros). 

Coach Brunicardi helped multiple student-athletes flourish and develop on the offensive side as well.  Such players as Ramon Enriquez (Oklahoma Baptist), Joe Pledger (Oklahoma Baptist), Kyle Barret (CSU Northridge), Felix Aberouette (South Alabama), Phil Caulfield (Loyola Marymount-Washington Nationals), and Mike Franco (Azuza Pacific) enjoyed highly successful careers at Skyline College and beyond.  In 2017, Ryan McSwain finished the season as the state leader in stolen bases (37) and top 12 in batting average (.411).  While in that same year, Kyle Barret finished 8^th in the state in HR (12) and tied for 3^rd in RBI (54).  In 2015, Phil Caulfield finished top 20 in the state in both batting average (.374) and stolen bases (18).

A 2003 graduate of Burlingame High School, Coach Brunicardi still holds multiple school pitching records.  Coach Brunicardi was a standout three-sport athlete earning All-County honors in baseball, basketball and football.  Coach Brunicardi was named the 2002 County Pitcher of the Year and in 2003 was named to the All-County team along with being named the PAL Pitcher of the Year.  Following graduation Brunicardi pitched for two seasons at Skyline from 2005-2006, accumulating a 3.91 ERA while earning four wins and four saves.  In 2007, Brunicardi transferred to Sacramento State where his playing career finished following a career ending injury.

Coach Brunicardi started his coaching career as the head coach of the Millbrae-Burlingame Joe DiMaggio team, leading the team to 50 wins in his two seasons including 2^nd and 4^th place finishes in California.  During his two seasons at the helm, Coach Brunicardi helped develop the skills of multiple players including Tony Renda (UC Berkeley-Washington Nationals) and Dan McCarthy (Skyline College-Sacramento State).

From 2008-2010, Coach Brunicardi served as the bullpen coach for Sacramento State, where he coached the pitchers and was active in the program’s recruiting.  Additionally, Coach Brunicardi served as the head coach of the El Dorado Hill Vipers Connie Mack team during the summers from 2008-2010.  Under Coach Brunicardi’s guidance the Vipers made two Connie Mack Super Regionals and one Connie Mack Regional appearance. During his tenure with the Vipers, Coach Brunicardi’s main goal was to prepare his players for their transition to college baseball.  Some players included Kyle Porter (UC Berkeley), Andrew Knapp (UC Berkeley), Rhys Hoskins (Sacramento State), Will Soto (Sacramento State), and Nate Esposito (Oregon State). 

In 2010, Coach Brunicardi took his first job as a pitching coach at Yuba College.  Under Coach Brunicardi the Yuba staff posted a 3.43 cumulative ERA.  Under Brunicardi’s guidance Matt Vedo earned 1^st team All-Conference honors and a scholarship to UC Santa Barbara.  Additionally while at Yuba College, Coach Brunicardi served as the recruiting coordinator, 3^rd Base Coach and helped with academic counseling. 

In 2011, Coach Brunicardi served as a pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Cosumnes River College, with the team advancing to the Super Regional playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons.  Additionally, Coach Brunicardi served as the 3^rd base coach and worked with the student-athletes in the weight room

Coach Brunicardi received his Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University of Sacramento in 2008.  Additionally, Coach Brunicardi received a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from St. Mary’s College of California in 2013.