{{short description|American baseball player (born 1983)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name=Anthony Recker |image=Anthony Recker on July 23, 2015.jpg |image_size=280px |caption=Recker with the New York Mets in 2015 |team= |number= |position=Catcher / First baseman |bats=Right |throws=Right |birth_date={{birth date and age|1983|8|29}} |birth_place=Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, U.S. |debutleague = MLB |debutdate=August 25 |debutyear=2011 |debutteam=Oakland Athletics |finalleague = MLB |finaldate=April 19 |finalyear=2017 |finalteam=Atlanta Braves |statyear = |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Batting average |stat1value = .199 |stat2label = Home runs |stat2value = 18 |stat3label = Runs batted in |stat3value = 70 |teams= *Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2012}}) *Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2012}}) *New York Mets ({{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2015}}) *Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2017}}) }} '''Anthony Vito Recker''' (born August 29, 1983) is an American broadcaster and former professional baseball catcher and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves.<ref name="reckerbbref">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reckean01.shtml|date=2019|title=Anthony Recker Stats|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=baseball-reference.com|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Becker was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on August 29, 1984, and was raised by mother Alicia and stepfather Kip.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schuler|first1=Jeff|title=Catty's Anthony Recker has blossomed into major league catcher|url=https://www.mcall.com/2012/05/10/cattys-anthony-recker-has-blossomed-into-major-league-catcher/|access-date=May 11, 2016|work=Morning Call|date=May 10, 2012}}</ref> He attended Catasauqua High School in Northampton, Pennsylvania, where he played baseball, football, and basketball.
After graduating from Catasauqua High School, he continued his baseball career at Alvernia College, an NCAA Division III school in Reading, Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dhillon|first1=Jagdip|title=With coaching, Ports catcher is developing his talent|url=http://www.recordnet.com/article/20070616/A_SPORTS06/706160335|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Record|date=June 16, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Joyce|first1=Greg|title=Catasauqua's Anthony Recker enjoying full season with New York Mets|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/09/catasauquas_anthony_recker_enj.html|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Express Times|date=September 10, 2014}}</ref> One of Recker's college teammates was Zach Lutz. The pair were coached by Lutz's father.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Vorkunov|first1=Mike|title=Mets Zach Lutz and Anthony Recker go from Division 3 college teammates to big leagues|url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2014/02/mets_zach_lutz_and_anthony_recker_go_from_division_3_college_teammates_to_big_leagues.html|access-date=May 11, 2016|publisher=NJ.com|date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> While playing for the Crusaders, Recker spent some time on the mound, where he occasionally threw a knuckleball.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carig|first1=Marc|title=Catcher Anthony Recker pitches in blowout loss|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/catcher-anthony-recker-pitches-in-blowout-loss-y00302|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707145826/http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/catcher-anthony-recker-pitches-in-blowout-loss-1.5599619|url-status=live|archive-date=July 7, 2013|access-date=May 15, 2016|work=Newsday|date=June 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hutchinson|first1=Dave|title=Mets catcher Anthony Recker gets chance to pitch in blowout loss|url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2013/06/mets_catcher_anthony_recker_can_chance_to_pitch_in_blowout_loss.html|access-date=May 15, 2016|publisher=NJ.com|date=June 30, 2013}}</ref> Despite growing up in Pennsylvania, Recker's favorite team was the Oakland Athletics.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schuler|first1=Jeff|title=Catty's Recker getting his major league chance with Oakland|url=https://www.mcall.com/2011/08/23/cattys-recker-getting-his-major-league-chance-with-oakland/|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Morning Call|date=August 23, 2011}}</ref>
==Playing career== ===Oakland Athletics=== Recker was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 18th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft out of Alvernia College. He began catching and, on occasion, playing first base professionally.
On August 23, 2011, Recker was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.<ref>{{cite news|title=A's Select C Anthony Recker from Sacramento|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110823&content_id=23620806&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=August 23, 2011|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208063310/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110823&content_id=23620806&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made five appearances for Oakland, going 3-for-17 (.176) with four walks. Recker was named to the Triple-A All-PCL Team in 2011, a season in which he powered 16 home runs for the Sacramento River Cats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.i70baseball.com/2011/08/29/2011-all-pcl-team-announced/|title=2011 All-PCL Team Announced|date=29 August 2011|access-date=30 August 2011|archive-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331114501/http://www.i70baseball.com/2011/08/29/2011-all-pcl-team-announced/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Recker made the Athletics' 2012 Opening Day roster, but was optioned to the Sacramento in May.<ref name="schulermcall2013">{{cite news|last1=Schuler|first1=Jeff|title=Catasauqua's Anthony Recker ready for fresh start with New York Mets|url=https://www.mcall.com/2013/01/03/catasauquas-anthony-recker-ready-for-fresh-start-with-new-york-mets/|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Morning Call|date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> In 13 appearances for the Athletics, he slashed .129/.250/.161 with four walks. [[File:Anthony Recker on March 15, 2012.jpg|280px|thumb|Recker playing for the Oakland Athletics in 2012 spring training]]
===Chicago Cubs=== Recker was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Blake Lalli on August 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cubs get Anthony Recker from A's for Blake Lalli|url=https://www.mcall.com/2012/08/27/cubs-get-anthony-recker-from-as-for-blake-lalli/|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Morning Call|agency=Associated Press|date=August 27, 2012}}</ref> He made nine appearances for the Cubs, going 1-for-7 (.143).<ref name="reckerbbref"/> On October 24, Recker was designated for assignment by the Cubs following the acquisition of Carlos Gutiérrez.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kruth|first1=Cash|title=Cubs claim Gutierrez off waivers, designate Recker|url=http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/40018146|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603160357/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/40018146|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=October 24, 2012}}</ref>
===New York Mets=== On October 25, 2012, Recker was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.<ref>{{cite news|title=New York Mets claim Catasauqua graduate Anthony Recker off waivers|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/10/new_york_mets_claim_catasauqua.html|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=Express Times|date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
Recker made the Mets' 2013 Opening Day roster as a backup catcher.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Housenick|first1=Mandy|title=Catty's Recker eager to prove he belongs|url=https://www.mcall.com/2013/04/13/cattys-recker-eager-to-prove-he-belongs/|access-date=May 15, 2016|work=The Morning Call|date=April 13, 2013}}</ref> Although Recker is a position player, he pitched the ninth inning for the Mets to preserve their bullpen in a lopsided game on June 30, 2013, where the Mets were defeated by the Washington Nationals by a score of 13–2. The last position player to pitch for the Mets before Recker did so was catcher Rob Johnson on May 18, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Iseman|first1=Chris|title=Mets backup catcher Recker pitches in|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-backup-catcher-recker-pitches-in/c-52307854|access-date=May 15, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=June 30, 2013}}</ref> He was optioned to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s on August 19.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Erickson|first1=Kelly|title=Mets keeping d'Arnaud; Recker optioned|url=http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/57511014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604133740/http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/57511014|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 4, 2016|access-date=May 14, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> Recker was recalled on August 28, as a backup to Travis d'Arnaud, due to the trade that sent catcher John Buck and outfielder Marlon Byrd to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Recker made the Opening Day roster in 2014 as a backup catcher to d'Arnaud.<ref>{{cite news|last1=DiComo|first1=Anthony|title=Mets finalize 25-man roster for Opening Day|url=http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/70459018/mets-finalize-25-man-roster-for-opening-day|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326035507/http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/70459018/mets-finalize-25-man-roster-for-opening-day|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 26, 2015|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=March 30, 2014}}</ref> On April 12, Recker hit a solo home run in the top of the 13th off Matt Shoemaker to break the 6–6 tie between the Mets and Angels and win the game for the Mets 7–6.
After an early-season injury to d'Arnaud in 2015, the Mets kept Recker as a backup catcher, and promoted prospect Kevin Plawecki to serve as the starter.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catasauqua grad Anthony Recker to remain in backup role for Mets despite injury to Travis d'Arnaud|url=http://www.mcall.com/sports/baseball/mc-recker-mets-0421-20150421-story.html|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Morning Call|agency=Associated Press|date=April 21, 2015}}</ref> On April 14, he played third base in an emergency role. On May 14, Recker had his first career multi-homer game against the Chicago Cubs, a game that the Mets went on to lose.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/124233312/cubs-sweep-mets-hand-maddon-800th-win |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517195715/http://m.mets.mlb.com/news/article/124233312/cubs-sweep-mets-hand-maddon-800th-win |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 17, 2015 |title=Recker hits 2 HRs, but passed ball sinks Mets |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |work=mlb.com |access-date=May 15, 2015}}</ref> On November 6, Recker was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the minor leagues, but rejected the assignment and elected free agency.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/113162/anthony-recker-wilfredo-tovar-removed-from-40-man-roster|title=Anthony Recker, Wilfredo Tovar removed from 40-man roster, become free agents|date=6 November 2015}}</ref> Recker hit .125 with two home runs and five RBI in 80 at-bats in 32 games in 2015. From 2013 to 2015 as a Met, Recker hit 15 home runs in 140 games. However, Recker did manage to hit eight home runs in just 108 plate appearances while playing for the Las Vegas 51s. Recker was known for his propensity to hit home runs late in games or in key situations.
===Cleveland Indians=== On November 27, 2015, Recker signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians, including an invitation to spring training.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McCarron|first1=Anthony|title=Ex-Mets catcher Anthony Recker inks minor-league deal with Cleveland Indians|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/ex-met-anthony-recker-inks-minor-league-deal-indians-article-1.2448655|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=New York Daily News|date=November 27, 2015}}</ref> He appeared in 19 games for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers in 2016, slashing .246/.395/.426 with two home runs, 10 RBI, and one stolen base.
===Atlanta Braves=== Recker was traded to the Atlanta Braves on May 9, 2016, for cash considerations, and assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kruth|first1=Cash|title=Braves acquire catcher Recker from Indians|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/177126192/braves-acquire-anthony-recker-from-indians|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510104744/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/177126192/braves-acquire-anthony-recker-from-indians|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 10, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=May 9, 2016}}</ref> The Braves promoted Recker to the major leagues after an injury to Tyler Flowers that July.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Braves seeking solution to catching duties|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/189799954/braves-are-looking-at-catching-options/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717155642/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/189799954/braves-are-looking-at-catching-options/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016|work=MLB.com}}</ref>
On December 2, 2016, Recker and the Braves avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to an $800,000 contract for the 2017 season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Braves agree to deals with Recker, Rodriguez|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/209865802/anthony-recker-paco-rodriguez-agree-to-deals/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203044121/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/209865802/anthony-recker-paco-rodriguez-agree-to-deals/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2016|access-date=December 3, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=December 2, 2016}}</ref> He was initially optioned to Gwinnett at the end of spring training, but eventually was selected as one of the last two players to make the Braves’ 2017 Opening Day roster, alongside Chaz Roe.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Recker pleasantly surprised to make roster|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/222053592/anthony-recker-happy-to-make-braves-roster/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403212021/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/222053592/anthony-recker-happy-to-make-braves-roster/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 3, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2017|work=MLB.com|date=April 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Roe, Recker on Braves' Opening Day roster|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-announce-opening-day-roster-c221927294|access-date=April 3, 2017|work=MLB.com|date=April 2, 2017}}</ref> He had his contract purchased on July 21, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/roster/transactions/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309002943/http://m.braves.mlb.com/roster/transactions|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2015|title = Transactions}}</ref>
===Minnesota Twins=== On July 24, 2017, the Braves traded Recker, Jaime García, and cash considerations to the Minnesota Twins for prospect Huascar Ynoa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/twins-trade-for-atlanta-starting-pitcher-jaime-garcia/436368173/|title = Twins trade for Atlanta starting pitcher Jaime Garcia| website=Star Tribune | date=July 25, 2017 }}</ref> The Twins subsequently removed Recker from the 40-man roster and sent him outright to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings on July 28. He appeared in 19 games for the Triple-A Rochester, hitting .286/.333/.414 with no home runs and eight RBI. Recker elected free agency on October 10.
===Arizona Diamondbacks=== On March 5, 2018, Recker signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, which included an invitation to spring training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/diamondbacks-sign-anthony-recker.html|title = Minor MLB Transactions: 3/5/18| date=March 5, 2018 }}</ref> He spent the season with the Triple–A Reno Aces, catching in 66 of the 74 games in which he appeared and hitting .276/.358/.537 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI. Recker elected free agency following the season on November 2.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2018|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/|access-date=April 30, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 6, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
==Post-playing career== He became an analyst on SNY, the network of the New York Mets, where he has filled in for Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling in the booth with Gary Cohen. "In early 2019, I decided [playing baseball] wasn’t the right thing for me to do anymore," he said in April 2020. "As soon as I made that decision, I quickly turned my gaze toward the TV world. It was something I liked doing and I already had a little bit of experience" from working the David Wright finale in September 2018.<ref name="Shoemaker"/>
==Personal life== Recker married Kelly Shepardson on November 2, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Keh|first1=Andrew|title=There Are Rings in Mets' Future|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/sports/baseball/six-mets-players-get-engaged-in-off-season.html?_r=1|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=New York Times|date=February 18, 2013}}</ref> His wife Kelly gave birth to their first child, Camden Anthony Recker, on December 29, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ivice|first1=Paul|title=First-time dad and Mets No. 2 catcher Anthony Recker looks for ways to improve|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/first-time-dad-and-mets-no-2-catcher-anthony-recker-looks-for-ways-to-improve-1.9928223|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215061225/http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/first-time-dad-and-mets-no-2-catcher-anthony-recker-looks-for-ways-to-improve-1.9928223|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 15, 2015|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=Newsday|date=February 11, 2015}}</ref> They also have a younger son, Grady.<ref name="Shoemaker">{{Cite web|last=Shoemaker|first=Tim|title=Former MLB player Anthony Recker of Catasauqua trying to catch on in broadcasting|url=https://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-spt-anthony-recker-broadcasting-career-20200415-qif5pvsyanfjnnbtem2ggpudla-story.html|access-date=2021-07-10|website=mcall.com|date=April 15, 2020 }}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commons category}} {{Portal|Baseball}} {{baseballstats|mlb=489232|espn=29490|br=r/reckean01|fangraphs=4063|brm=recker001ant|retro=R/Precka001}} *{{twitter}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Recker, Anthony}} Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:Alvernia Golden Wolves baseball players Category:American expatriate baseball players in Canada Category:Atlanta Braves players Category:Baseball players from Allentown, Pennsylvania Category:Catasauqua High School alumni Category:Chicago Cubs players Category:Columbus Clippers players Category:Gwinnett Braves players Category:Iowa Cubs players Category:Kane County Cougars players Category:Leones del Escogido players Category:American expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic Category:Las Vegas 51s players Category:Major League Baseball catchers Category:Midland RockHounds players Category:New York Mets announcers Category:New York Mets players Category:Oakland Athletics players Category:Reno Aces players Category:Rochester Red Wings players Category:Sacramento River Cats players Category:Stockton Ports players Category:Tennessee Smokies players Category:Vancouver Canadians players