Mike Costanzo

From the moment Mike Costanzo entered the world, baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies became stitched into his identity. His parents dressed the newborn infant in a tiny Phillies jacket—a garment his mother, Rhonda, remembered fondly: “My husband went out and bought that jacket when Mike was born. He wore it home from the hospital.”1 It didn’t take long for his parents to see where their son’s passions were headed. “Mike never played with toys,” his father, Mike Sr., said. “He would take his baseball bat everywhere and used to bat balls off the Christmas tree.”2

Fittingly, that early bond with baseball and the Phillies came into full focus in June 2005 when his favorite team selected Costanzo in the second round of the MLB draft. “We were just so excited,” Rhonda said. “We just feel like we’re in a cloud and still in a dream.” Costanzo felt it just as deeply. “I prayed they would pick me and they did and this whole household went berserk.”3

Though his time in the Phillies organization lasted just two and a half minor-league seasons, it intersected with franchise history in an unexpected way. Costanzo was part of a pivotal trade that helped set the stage for the Phillies’ 2008 championship run. On November 7, 2007, Philadelphia sent Costanzo, reliever Geoff Geary, and outfielder Michael Bourn to Houston in exchange for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett. Lidge went on to record a perfect 48 saves in 48 opportunities during the following season, helping Philadelphia to its first World Series title since 1980.

Costanzo eventually reached the majors with the Cincinnati Reds on May 13, 2012. The lefty-swinging corner infielder’s MLB career spanned 17 games.

Costanzo has since found his way back to Citizens Bank Park, the ballpark he once imagined calling home. No longer in a baseball uniform, he instead moves through the concourses as a wine distributor.4 The role is far from the dream he once pursued, yet he feels no resentment about how his journey unfolded. “It was a dream come true,” he says. “You grow up hoping and wishing and pretending you’re people in the backyard and then one day you look up and your name’s on a big screen… and you’re like blown back by it. It was an awesome time.”5

***

Michael Albert Costanzo was born on September 9, 1983, in Springfield, Pennsylvania, just 15 miles from where Citizens Bank Park now stands. He grew up alongside his older sister, Ashley. His mother, Rhonda (Dortone), has served as a practice manager for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network in Paoli since 1998; his father, Mike Costanzo Sr., works as a senior medical device sales representative at Inogen.

Costanzo was the typical multisport athlete for a time. At Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, he was the starting quarterback during his freshman and sophomore years. However, baseball was always his true calling. By the start of his junior year, he committed himself fully to the sport. Costanzo wanted to “Be Like Mike,” though in his case it wasn’t Michael Jordan he aimed to emulate, but Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.6

Costanzo’s love for baseball was undiminished as a teenager. His father captured it perfectly: “You’ve heard of gym rats who become basketball players? Well, Mike was a ball boy.”7 He worked at All-Star Baseball Academy, which had several locations in the Philadelphia metro area. Over the course of his high-school varsity career, Costanzo hit .470 with 31 home runs, 124 RBIs, and 107 runs scored.8 He earned three All-Delco (Delaware County) selections and was named the 2002 Daily Times Player of the Year.9

Costanzo’s senior season was especially dominant. He led the county in home runs (14) and RBIs (54), finished second in batting average (.517), and added five pitching victories with 65 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings. He powered Carroll to its second straight Philadelphia Catholic League10 championship, going 4-for-4 with a walk, two doubles, a home run, and five RBIs in the title game. Head coach Fran Murphy called him the best hitter he ever coached at Carroll.11

Shortly after Carroll’s season ended, Costanzo earned an invitation to a pre-draft workout at Veterans Stadium hosted by the Phillies. “It was fun. I think I played pretty well,” he said. “I think they were really impressed with my arm.”12

Following graduation, Costanzo continued his baseball journey at Coastal Carolina University. “I went there on a visit, and I loved it,” he said. “What’s not to like about Myrtle Beach?”13 He also wanted to stay close enough to Springfield so his parents could watch him play. Mike Sr. and Rhonda purchased a condo in Myrtle Beach, allowing them to see their son in action almost every weekend.14

Costanzo earned second-team All-Conference honors in the Big South Conference as a designated hitter in 2003, his freshman season.15 That summer he set team records in batting average (.340) and ERA (0.58) with the Bethesda Big Train of the Clark Griffith League, a now-defunct collegiate circuit.16

In 2004, again as a DH, Costanzo led Coastal Carolina in nearly every major offensive category, including batting average (.359), slugging percentage (.740), home runs (21), RBIs (74), runs scored (66), hits (83), and total bases. He was named Big South Conference Player of the Year, also winning first-team All-Conference honors and a spot on the Big South All-Tournament Team.17

He spent that summer with the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League under manager Greg King.18 King quickly recognized his versatility: “He’s a heck of an athlete. He was listed as a pitcher, but we found out he’s a nice utility guy. … We can’t keep that bat out of the lineup.” The Cape Cod Times described Costanzo as a “veritable baseball junkie.”19

During his junior season in 2005, Costanzo hit .379 and led the Chanticleers in hits (91), runs scored (74), homers (16), and slugging percentage (.658), while setting the program’s single-season walks record with 68. His 171 total bases that year remain the third-highest single-season total in school history. However, Costanzo’s impact extended well beyond the batter’s box. The righty thrower made 37 pitching appearances, second most in a single season in school history and set the program’s single-season record with 14 saves. He repeated as Big South Conference Player of the Year, this time as both a first baseman and pitcher.20 That season the Chanticleers were 16–2 in one-run games, a statistic head coach Gary Gilmore credited directly to Costanzo’s mentality. “Mike thought he could beat the Yankees. He had an arrogance and confidence.”21

His standout 2005 campaign earned national acclaim. Costanzo was named a first-team All-American by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, while earning second-team All-American honors from USA Today. He was a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy.22

Across 180 career collegiate games, Costanzo posted a .356 batting average, 45 home runs (fourth in program history), 45 doubles (tied for 12th), 184 RBIs (tied for third), 229 hits (17th), and 171 runs scored (eighth). His .648 slugging percentage ranks second all-time, trailing only Tommy La Stella, while his .472 on-base percentage also ranks second. On the mound, he made 56 pitching appearances, going 15–5 with 15 saves, a 4.07 ERA, and 121 strikeouts.23

Costanzo was inducted into the Coastal Carolina University Sasser Hall of Fame in 2012.24 In 2014, he was selected to the Big South Conference All-Decade Team (2000–09) as the designated hitter.25

After three seasons in college, Costanzo was ready to pursue a career in professional baseball. “I knew I could be a baseball player when I was a sophomore in high school,” he said. “But it wasn’t until my sophomore year in college that I thought I had a chance to be a major-league player. Everything just started coming together for me then.” When major-league evaluators mentioned a possible future on the mound, he told them they should draft somebody else. Costanzo was, as one writer noted, “born to be a hitter.”26

Draft day was filled with anticipation. “The morning of the draft [the Phillies] called me and said, ‘If you’re there for the 65th pick, we’re going to take you,’” Costanzo recalled. Even with that assurance, he tried to stay calm as teams made their early selections. “I’ve heard draft nightmares, so I tried to keep cool and when the 65th pick came around and they took me, it was unbelievable.”27 He added, “Hopefully I’ll be signed by tomorrow. I’m not pulling a J. D. Drew. I’m not doing that to this team or this city.”28

The Phillies signed Costanzo with a $570,000 bonus. The terms were finalized at 3 AM after day one of the draft.29 Later that day, he arrived at his introductory press conference carrying the Phillies jacket in which his parents had dressed him when they brought him home from the hospital.30

Shortly after being signed, Costanzo visited the Phillies’ clubhouse and took batting practice with the team. “The Phillies treated me like gold,” he said. “I talked to everybody. They were so nice giving me advice and how to take the minor leagues and go through them.”31

Costanzo began his pro career in 2005 with the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York–Penn League.32 In 73 games, he hit .274 with 11 home runs in 281 at-bats. One of the biggest adjustments of Costanzo’s professional career extended beyond the batter’s box. After spending much of his college career at first base to preserve his arm while keeping his bat in the lineup, he had to transition back to the hot corner and committed 21 errors in 69 games. Still, his overall performance earned him promotion to high-A Clearwater for the 2006 season.

Costanzo struggled out of the gate in the Florida State League. However, he made subtle, but meaningful, gains as the season progressed—notably, resurgent plate discipline, with more walks and fewer strikeouts. Defensively, he improved somewhat, making 25 errors in 133 games.33

Entering the 2007 season, the scouting report remained cautiously optimistic: “If he gets close to 500 AB, should hit 23–25 HR, especially if he can maintain his fly ball tendencies. … If Mike steps up this season and has a big year, he could be pushing for playing time in Philly in 2008 at some point, but should be primed for time in 2009.”34

Costanzo was assigned to Double-A Reading, a location that was a dream come true for his family. He lived in his Springfield apartment, just minutes from his parents’ home and about 45 minutes from the ballpark. His family embraced the experience as much as he did. His parents never missed a home game; many nights included a large and vocal Costanzo cheering section. On Opening Night—with Reading-area native Taylor Swift, then just 17 years old, singing the National Anthem35—he estimated that more than 100 friends and relatives were in attendance.36 “That place is unbelievable,” Costanzo said of Reading. “The fans are awesome and really know baseball. And it’s always good to be able to play in front of my parents.”37

The season carried additional personal meaning. A close friend, Dominic D’Alicandro, had been killed in a motorcycle accident the previous October, and Costanzo dedicated his season to Dominic’s memory. “It was a huge loss,” Costanzo said, “I felt it would be fitting to play this season in memory of him.”38

In Reading, Costanzo made an immediate impression. In his first at-bat of the season, he launched a home run, a sign of things to come.39 He went on to post the best statistics of his minor-league career: 137 hits, including 27 home runs (second in the Eastern League), and a .270 batting average. Costanzo continued to work on his defense at third base in daily sessions with Reading manager P. J. Forbes. “It’s about getting into a happy place there, just feeling comfortable,” he observed.40

Costanzo later participated in the Arizona Fall League. Against elite competition, he struggled, hitting .189 (17-for-90). That November, the trade to Houston took place, ending the dream of playing for his hometown club.

Costanzo has always expressed gratitude when reflecting on his time in the Philadelphia chain. “It was quite an experience being drafted by the Phillies and I was able to spend two-and-a-half good years in their organization,” he said. “It was awesome. But baseball is a business.”41 Costanzo even developed a lighthearted way of framing his cameo role in Philadelphia’s 2008 championship. “I always say I get the assist for the World Series.”42

About a month after the trade to the Astros, Costanzo was on the move again. He was dealt to Baltimore along with four other players in exchange for Miguel Tejada.43

Costanzo began his Orioles tenure in 2008 at Triple-A Norfolk. In 129 games, he hit .261 with 11 home runs. He played a fair amount at first base—but during spring training in 2008, the Orioles approached Costanzo about an unusual opportunity: the organization needed an emergency catcher. Although he had never caught professionally, or at any other point in his career, he welcomed the challenge. “Anything I needed to do to make the team, I was going to do,” Costanzo recalled. Already taking reps in left field, right field, first base, and third base that spring, he worked behind the plate, a testament to both his versatility and his determination to reach the major leagues. After borrowing catching gear from Matt Wieters, Costanzo arrived at the ballpark at 5 AM the next day to begin learning the position. Just three days later, he was catching on the back fields. Although the experiment resulted in only five games behind the plate for Norfolk, Costanzo took great pride in embracing the challenge. Looking back years later, he laughed, “I wish they wouldn’t have asked me because now I can’t bend my knee to squat down.”44

Before the 2009 season, Costanzo learned he would get to try out for Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic. He seized the chance to represent his family’s ancestry. “My Italian heritage is something I’m very proud of,” he said. “I get to possibly represent something I’m pretty proud of on a world stage. Everyone in the world will be watching and cheering for their country.”45 Even years later, despite ultimately reaching the major leagues, he described representing Italy as “the best experience of my entire baseball career.”46 He appeared in three games, recording two hits in eight at-bats, both doubles. However, the subsequent professional season proved turbulent. Splitting time between Norfolk and Double-A Bowie, Costanzo combined to hit .202 with just three home runs in 272 at-bats.

During the fall of 2009, Costanzo was introduced to fellow Delaware County native T. J. Chism through their mutual agent, Jeff Randazzo. Chism, a left-handed pitcher and the son of former major leaguer Tom Chism, had recently returned from his first professional season.47 The two quickly began training together that offseason, forging a friendship that would outlast their playing careers. Chism described Costanzo as “a fierce competitor who worked as hard as possible to be the best version of himself.” Chism recalled that Costanzo’s relentless drive occasionally led to some unconventional training sessions. “He’d have me in the gym at 5 AM standing on one leg on a balance beam catching ping pong balls with two fingers (true story) if that was how we were going to get to the big leagues.” Chism believes that same relentless pursuit defined Costanzo both on and off the field. “Mike was never defined by baseball. He was really good at just about everything he did on or off the field. I think he excelled at baseball, and chasing the dream of playing in the big leagues was something that really motivated him. His baseball journey is a microcosm of his life; he worked hard to achieve his dream, and nothing was going to stop him.”48

Costanzo’s time with the Baltimore organization ended on April 2, 2010, when Baltimore released him from Bowie. The Orioles asked him to convert to pitching, a move he declined.49

Determined not to let his career stall, Costanzo joined the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League. “I love baseball,” Costanzo said a couple of years later. “Going to indy ball and doing all of that stuff, it makes you wonder sometimes. Never did I want to stop playing.”50

A new opportunity arrived quickly. On May 14, Costanzo signed with the Cincinnati Reds and split the remainder of the season between triple-A Louisville and Double-A Carolina. He hit .266 with 11 home runs in 319 at-bats.

He returned to the Reds system in 2011. Again dividing his season between Triple A and Double A, he hit .250 with 13 home runs in 464 plate appearances. This pattern continued in 2012.51

On May 12, however, the call the 28-year-old had long awaited finally came. The Reds placed Scott Rolen on the disabled list and summoned Costanzo from Louisville to fill the roster spot. “A lot of guys never get the chance,” he said. “For me to get it, it’s been unbelievable. The best feeling was when I called my parents. … They’re on a flight from Philly.”52 Chism was the third person Costanzo called after learning he had been promoted to the majors. “I’ll never forget that phone call for as long as I live,” Chism recalled. “We were both crying. Knowing the amount of work and countless hours he had put in to get that call to the big leagues was vindication that it was all worth it. It was such an honor to feel like I was third in line for ultimately one of the proudest moments of his life.”53

The following afternoon, Costanzo made his major-league debut in Cincinnati, pinch-hitting in the fifth inning and lifting a sacrifice fly in a 9–6 win over the Washington Nationals. “A lot of emotions are running around in my head,” he said. “It’s been quite a journey for me. I’m ecstatic about being here.”54

Reds manager Dusty Baker had long been impressed by Costanzo’s offensive ability, “I saw him in spring training a couple years ago and I said, ‘I like you.’ He can stroke it. How come he hasn’t played at a higher elevation for a longer period of time?”55

Six days later, on May 19, 2012, Costanzo recorded his first major-league hit, a single off Iván Nova at Yankee Stadium. His parents were in attendance.56 Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter collected the ball and tossed it to the Reds’ dugout, then told Costanzo as he reached second base, “Nice hit.”57 Costanzo laughed and told the Yankee captain, “Only 3,000 more and I’ll catch up to you.”58

“I gave my first hit ball to my dad and my bat from my first at-bat, on Mother’s Day, which had her name on it, I gave to my mom,” said Costanzo.59

He finished his big-league stint that season having made nearly all his appearances as a pinch-hitter, with one start at first base. In 18 at-bats, Costanzo had just the one hit.60 On June 6, 2012, he was optioned back to Triple A; on August 2, he was outrighted to Louisville. He elected free agency that November.

The Washington Nationals signed Costanzo in December 2012 and assigned him to their triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs. In March 2013, before the season, Costanzo again represented Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, appearing in five games and going 4-for-18 with three doubles.61 He went on to play 66 games for Syracuse, hitting .220 with 10 home runs before being released on July 9, 2013.

Not long after his release, the Reds signed Costanzo to another minor-league contract on July 11, 2013. After two games with Louisville, he was reassigned to Double-A Pensacola. This second stint with the Reds carried personal meaning. “They first signed me out of independent-league ball, which was unbelievable, and they gave me my first chance at the majors when I was 28 years old,” he said. “(The Reds) have meant so much to me. … They have been nothing but first class.”62

As his career wound down, Costanzo carried a message that he often shared with young players dreaming of reaching the majors: “Keep your eye on your goal and do not let somebody tell you that you cannot do something. I had many people tell me I was not going to be a Major League Baseball player, so it is important that you not take ‘No’ for an answer and keep moving on toward your goal.”63

Costanzo returned to Louisville in 2014 for his final minor-league season. In 43 games, he hit .194 with four home runs.

In 2015, at age 31, Costanzo was back in Camden as the club’s everyday third baseman.64 Again, he enjoyed the familiarity of playing close to Philadelphia, where he lived with his wife at the time and their son. “It’s really awesome. I get to live at home with my wife and son. … Just being at home helps out the body and the aches and everything else.”65

For someone with Costanzo’s long-standing identity as a ballplayer, the idea of a life “after baseball” had rarely been more than a distant concept. By then, it had become a reality. That year, he took his first step toward that next chapter by opening the Mike Costanzo Agency, a Farmers Insurance office based in Springfield, offering auto, home, life, and business coverage in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.66 Costanzo would work at his insurance agency from 9 AM to 3 PM before heading to the ballpark. “It’s strange, he comes walking into the clubhouse in a suit and tie,” said Riversharks manager Chris Widger. “You can’t picture him in a suit and tie to begin with.”67

“I have no idea,” Costanzo said when asked why he chose to pursue insurance. Over time, however, he came to appreciate the competitiveness and daily grind of the industry, qualities that reminded him of baseball. At the Riversharks’ stadium, foul balls were sponsored by his agency.68

During his 11th and final professional season with Camden in 2015, Costanzo batted .211 with nine home runs in 56 games. His final at-bat ended on a squibber back to the pitcher. Racing to beat it out, he collided with the first baseman and suffered a torn patellar tendon, bringing his playing career to an abrupt end.69

In March 2016, Costanzo took what felt like a natural next step: a move into coaching. He joined the staff of Archbishop Carroll High as co-head coach alongside Chris Dengler. “I’m thrilled to have Mike join our coaching staff,” Dengler said. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for our program.”70

Costanzo said of his transition, “I have a tremendous passion for the sport and for Carroll. Now that I am done with my playing career, I can think of no better way to give back to the kids than by coaching baseball.” He added that his goals extended beyond wins and losses: “My main objective is to develop the players into good student-athletes and get them ready for the next level.”71

Costanzo took over as the primary head coach for the 2016–2017 season, guiding Carroll to a 14–7 record. In 2017–2018, the team improved to 21–6. However, his high-school coaching tenure then ended.72 In June 2018, he launched the Costanzo Baseball Experience, a Springfield-based youth baseball program offering instructional camps and tournament play. The venture was short-lived.73

In April 2022, Costanzo was inducted into the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame alongside TJ Chism, bringing their shared baseball journey full circle.74 “We both wished we were going into the National Baseball Museum in Cooperstown instead that day, but it was still a really cool honor to share that with him. From all of the early morning offseason workouts, to leaving every February and grinding through our own minor league journeys, to him calling me to tell me he was going to the big leagues, to post-career milestones… it really was full circle and a great honor for both of us to share,” Chism recalled.75

That December Costanzo embarked on a new venture as the owner of Briganti Wines.76 A trip to Italy that year sparked the idea of bringing the brand to the US. “After careful consideration and testing the market here in the US, it made sense for me to take it over and build it into a potential global brand,” he explained. The product arrived stateside in May 2023. Briganti translates to “thief,” but as Costanzo clarifies, “a good thief, like Robin Hood.”77

Costanzo’s roots helped forge a natural partnership with the Phillies. “I’m really good friends with John Brazer,” he said of the Phillies director of fun and games. “I had a conversation with him and the same people that are there [now] were there when I was drafted.” The Phillies embraced the partnership. “We had an opening in the wine category this season,” said Scott Nickel, the team’s director of corporate sales. “We were able to work out a marketing deal which allows Briganti Wines to promote itself as ‘A Preferred Wine of the Phillies.’” The wines—reds, rosés, and whites—are available in 250 ml cans at concession stands and 750 ml bottles in the suites at Citizens Bank Park.78

Mike Costanzo never became an everyday big-leaguer or a household name. Rather, his career typifies the uncertainty and challenges that define professional baseball for the vast majority of players. It makes his journey relatable. The local kid, dominant high-school star, college All-American, and top prospect wound up a baseball journeyman. Yet he kept grinding through bus trips, back fields, and indy ball, reaching the top level. When his playing days finally ended, he found new ways to stay connected to his sport, team, and community.

Chism believes that relatability helps explain why Costanzo’s story continues to resonate throughout Delaware County. “Mike is Delco,” he said.79 “He’s not perfect and has made mistakes just like everyone. But he has worked hard for everything he’s accomplished and continues to accomplish. We spent offseasons painting, doing drywall, renovating bathrooms, and selling Christmas trees. And then we’d go play 142-plus game seasons making less money. All to chase the dream of playing in the big leagues. His story resonates with people of Delco because everyone’s chasing a dream of some sort and being able to say you achieved that dream makes people from Delco feel like they’ve achieved it. The pride that one of our own got to play at the highest level is a really cool feeling and a great story to tell our kids someday.”80

In the end, Costanzo’s legacy is measured by his enduring bond with Philadelphia. The newborn kid in the tiny Phillies jacket came full circle and found his way home, just in different garb.

Last revised: August 5, 2026

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Mike Costanzo for his input (telephone call with the author, July 6, 2026) and to TJ Chism (email and text message with author, June 30 and July 3, 2026)

This biography was reviewed by Rory Costello and Abigail Miskowiec and fact-checked by Joe Wancho.

Photo credit: Mike Costanzo, Trading Card Database.

Sources

In addition to the sources cited in the Notes, the author consulted baseball-reference.com.

Notes

1 Eileen Shomo, “Delco’s Mike Costanzo Is Phillies First Draft Pick,” Delaware County Daily Times, June 23, 2005. https://www.delcotimes.com/2005/06/23/delcos-mike-costanzo-is-phillies-first-draft-pick/.

2 Lisa Winston, “Costanzo Pursues Phillies Dream,” MiLB.com, May 18, 2007. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-244680.

3 Shomo, “Delco’s Mike Costanzo Is Phillies First Draft Pick.”

4 Jon Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal,” Billy Penn, April 26, 2024. https://billypenn.com/2024/04/26/phillies-draft-pick-wine-sales-citizens-bank-park/.

5 “Mike Costanzo at Home in Middle of Riversharks’ Order,” CBS Philadelphia, May 22, 2015. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/mike-costanzo-at-home-in-middle-of-riversharks-order/.

6 Winston, “Costanzo Pursues Phillies Dream.” Costanzo attended the induction ceremony in Cooperstown when Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1995.

7 Rob Parent, “Carroll Graduate Costanzo Moving on Phils’ Fast Track,” Delaware County Daily Times, June 27, 2007. https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/2007/06/27/carroll-graduate-costanzo-moving-on-phils-fast-track/. All-Star Sports Academy (formerly All-Star Baseball Academy) is a youth baseball and softball training organization in the Greater Philadelphia area that offers year-round instruction, camps, clinics, private lessons, and competitive travel teams for players of all ages and skill levels.

8 Rick O’Brien, “Former Phillies Draft Pick Costanzo Will Coach at Carroll,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 7, 2016. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/high_school/20160307_Former_Phillies_draft_pick_Costanzo_will_coach_at_Carroll.html.

9 Terry Toohey, “Delco Athletes Hall of Fame: Mike Costanzo and T.J. Chism Enjoy Spotlight Together,” The Delaware County Daily Times, April 26, 2022. https://www.delcotimes.com/2022/04/26/delco-atheletes-hall-of-fame-mike-costanzo-and-t-j-chism-enjoy-spotlight-together/.

10 The Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL), founded in 1920, is composed of Catholic high schools in the Philadelphia region and includes major sports such as basketball, football, baseball, and track & field. Notable member schools include St. Joseph’s Prep, Roman Catholic, La Salle College High School, Neumann-Goretti, Archbishop Wood, Archbishop Carroll, Cardinal O’Hara, and Bonner-Prendergast. The league joined the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) in 2008.

11 Ted Silary, “Carroll Routs La Salle for Title,” Philadelphia Daily News, June 2002, accessed at https://www.tedsilary.com/archive/mikecostanzo.htm.

12 Silary, “Carroll Routs La Salle for Title.”

13 Winston, “Costanzo Pursues Phillies Dream.”

14 Russ Charpentier, “Double the Pleasure,” Cape Cod Times, July 9, 2004. https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/sports/2004/07/09/double-pleasure/50930091007/.

15 Coastal Carolina University. Coastal Carolina Baseball Record Book: 2023 Season. Conway, SC: Coastal Carolina University Athletics, 2023. https://goccusports.com/sports/2023/1/23/coastal-carolina-baseball-record-book.aspx

16 Charpentier, “Double the Pleasure.” The Bethesda Big Train is a collegiate summer baseball team based in Bethesda, Maryland, which competed in the Clark Griffith Collegiate Baseball League from 1999 to 2004 and has played in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League since 2005.

17 Coastal Carolina Baseball Record Book. His 21 homers remain tied for the second most hit by a Chanticleer in a single season.

18 The Hyannis Mets are now referred to as the Hyannis Harbor Hawks, a collegiate summer baseball team based in Hyannis, Massachusetts. They compete in the Cape Cod Baseball League as a member of the league’s West Division.

19 Charpentier, “Double the Pleasure.”

20 Coastal Carolina Baseball Record Book.

21 The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC), March 11, 2007: 26.

22 Coastal Carolina Baseball Record Book.

23 Coastal Carolina Baseball Record Book. Costanzo remains tied for fifth in career walks (133) and tied for fourth in career total bases (417).

24 Coastal Carolina Baseball Record Book.

25 Big South Conference, “Big South Announces Baseball All-Decade Teams,” June 5, 2014. https://bigsouthsports.com/news/2014/6/5/BB_0606141457853.aspx.

26 Parent, “Carroll Graduate Costanzo Moving on Phils’ Fast Track.”

27 Winston, “Costanzo Pursues Phillies Dream.”

28 Brian Michael, “First It’s a Little Irritating, Then You Hear It a Few Times,” Phillies Nation, June 8, 2005. https://philliesnation.com/2005/06/first-its-a-little-irritating/.

29 BaseballAmerica.com Player Page for Mike Costanzo, Baseball America, https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/5541-mike-costanzo/.

30 “Reds Give Costanzo Major Role,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 14, 2012. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20120514_Reds_give_Costanzo_major_role.html.

31 Shomo, “Delco’s Mike Costanzo Is Phillies First Draft Pick.”

32 The Batavia Muckdogs, now a collegiate summer baseball team in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, previously competed in Minor League Baseball’s New York–Penn League and served as a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate from 1967 and again from 1988 to 2006, with co-op seasons in 1966, 1975, and 1987.

33 “Player Profile: Mike Costanzo.”

34 “Player Profile: Mike Costanzo.”

35 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.”

36 Winston, “Costanzo Pursues Phillies Dream.”

37 Parent, “Carroll Graduate Costanzo Moving on Phils’ Fast Track.”

38 Winston, “Costanzo Pursues Phillies Dream.”

39 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.”

40 Parent, “Carroll Graduate Costanzo Moving on Phils’ Fast Track.”

41 Tom Layberger, “Archbishop Carroll grad Costanzo relives time in big leagues,” The Times Herald, August 8, 2014. https://www.timesherald.com/2014/08/08/baseball-archbishop-carroll-grad-costanzo-relives-time-in-big-leagues/.

42 “Mike Costanzo at Home in Middle of Riversharks’ Order.”

43 Costanzo was traded to the Baltimore Orioles on December 12, 2007, as part of the package Houston sent, along with Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, and Dennis Sarfate, in exchange for shortstop Miguel Tejada.

44 Mike Costanzo, interview by author, July 6, 2026.

45 Joseph Santoliquito, “Costanzo’s ready to take on world for Italy,” Philadelphia Daily News, February 18, 2009: 63. Before the tournament, the Italian Baseball Federation provided Costanzo and his family with a genealogical report tracing his paternal roots to the city of Cosenza in the Calabria region and his maternal ancestry to Abruzzo. His paternal grandparents were both the youngest of 10 children, and his grandfather’s family immigrated to South Philadelphia during the 1920s.

46 Costanzo interview.

47 T. J. Chism spent seven seasons in professional baseball after being selected by the New York Mets in the 32nd round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft out of La Salle University in Philadelphia. He advanced as high as Double A during his professional career. Following his playing days, Chism spent several years as a collegiate pitching coach before transitioning to a career with Leading Edge Fundraising, where he currently serves as a fundraising coach. Chism has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to remain involved in athletics through his work, helping sports teams achieve their fundraising goals while continuing to impact the athletic community.

48 T. J. Chism, interview by author, June 30, 2026.

49 “Costanzo Enjoying First Call-Up After Long Journey,” MLB.com, May 13, 2012. https://www.mlb.com/news/costanzo-enjoying-first-callup-after-long-journey/c-31144330.

50 “Costanzo Enjoying First Call-Up After Long Journey.”

51 In 2012, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos became the double-A affiliate of the Reds. They replaced the Carolina Mudcats, the double-A affiliate from 2009–2011.

52 “Archbishop Carroll Grad Mike Costanzo Makes Major League Debut with Reds,” The Times Herald, May 14, 2012. https://www.timesherald.com/2012/05/14/mlb-archbishop-carroll-grad-mike-costanzo-makes-major-league-debut-with-reds/.

53 Chism interview by author. After receiving the call to the major leagues, Costanzo first called his parents, followed by his then-wife, before calling Chism.

54 “Costanzo Enjoying First Call-Up After Long Journey.”

55 “Costanzo Enjoying First Call-Up After Long Journey.”

56 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.”

57 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.”

58 Costanzo interview.

59 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.”

60 Costanzo would become just the third Coastal Carolina alum to debut with the Reds.

61 Italy’s game against Canada ended in unusual fashion because of the World Baseball Classic’s mercy rule, which concludes a game when a team leads by 10 or more runs after the seventh inning. Leading 11–4 in the eighth, Costanzo appeared to end the game with a grand slam, prompting Italy to celebrate on the field. However, after a replay review, the umpires ruled the hit a ground-rule double, reducing the lead to nine runs and allowing play to continue. One batter later, Mario Chiarini delivered an RBI single to restore the 10-run advantage, officially triggering the mercy rule and sending Italy into a second on-field celebration.

62 Layberger, “Archbishop Carroll grad Costanzo relives time in big leagues.”

63 Layberger, “Archbishop Carroll grad Costanzo relives time in big leagues.”

64 Shortly after Costanzo joined the Camden Riversharks, Chism was released by the Somerset Patriots and signed with Camden. The 2010 season with the Riversharks ultimately proved to be the final season in both independent baseball and professional baseball altogether for both players.

65 “Mike Costanzo at Home in Middle of Riversharks’ Order.” The marriage referenced in the accompanying quotation later ended. Costanzo is the father of one son from that marriage.

66 “Mike Costanzo Jr,”  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-costanzo-jr-64223bb3/. According to his LinkedIn profile, the agency remains active, but its public footprint has since grown quiet. The business has not shown social media activity since 2020, and Costanzo is no longer listed in the Farmers Insurance “Find an Agent” directory. The Springfield office also no longer appears in local searches, suggesting that the agency likely closed.

67 Jason Bristol, “Farmers Man: Everyday 3B Costanzo Has Everyday Job,” Local 21 News, July 31, 2015. https://local21news.com/sports/content/farmers-man-everyday-3b-costanzo-has-everyday-job.

68 Bristol, “Farmers Man: Everyday 3B Costanzo Has Everyday Job.”

69 Costanzo interview.

70 O’Brien, “Former Phillies Draft Pick Costanzo Will Coach at Carroll.”

71 O’Brien, “Former Phillies Draft Pick Costanzo Will Coach at Carroll.”

72 “All-Time Roster – Archbishop Carroll Patriots Baseball (Radnor, PA),” MaxPreps, https://www.maxpreps.com/pa/radnor/archbishop-carroll-patriots/baseball/roster/all-time/

73 Costanzo Baseball Experience, Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CostanzoBaseballExperience/.

74 Toohey, “Delco Athletes Hall of Fame: Mike Costanzo and T.J. Chism Enjoy Spotlight Together.”

75 T.J. Chism, interview by author, June 30, 2026.

76 LinkedIn. “Mike Costanzo Jr.”

77 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.”

78 Caroulis, “Former Phillies Prospect Finally Makes It to Citizens Bank Park, via Wine Deal.” Outside the ballpark, Briganti Wines are available in the Philadelphia region at ACME supermarkets but not in state stores. They can be purchased at Reading Phillies games and at Subaru Park in Chester, home of the Philadelphia Union, and they are also sold at Coastal Carolina University.

79 “Delco” is the colloquial nickname for Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a suburban county located immediately southwest of Philadelphia encompassing communities such as Springfield, Upper Darby, Havertown, Media, Broomall, Newtown Square, and Chester, among others. The term carries cultural significance beyond geography, reflecting a strong sense of community identity, regional pride, and loyalty to local institutions. Within the region’s sports culture, athletes who achieve success at the collegiate or professional level are often embraced as representatives of the broader Delaware County community.

80 Chism interview by author.