Meet Gus Rico | Founder of Braves Baseball Academy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gus Rico and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gus, what matters most to you?
I can’t narrow it down to just one because Integrity and responsibility are the values that matter most to me.

When integrity is present, trust is built, and relationships are strengthened. I believe without it, even the most skilled or talented individuals can struggle to achieve lasting success. This can pertain to business or personal life.

Responsibility is the ability and willingness to take ownership of one’s actions, decisions, and obligations. It’s about being accountable for what you do or fail to do and recognizing the impact your choices have on others and the world around you. Responsibility also means being proactive in fulfilling commitments and having a good work ethic doing what you say you will do and showing up every day, as well as acknowledging when things go wrong, rather than avoiding or passing blame. As a coach, business owner, husband and father of four I try to instill this in my life and preach this to my family everyday.

Together, I believe these two values are essential for building strong relationships, making ethical decisions, and creating positive change in the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Braves Baseball Academy: Our Journey and Vision

Since our founding in 2010, Braves Baseball Academy has been dedicated to fostering growth, teamwork, and excellence in youth baseball. What started with just one team has evolved into a dynamic and thriving organization with eighteen teams, and the journey has been both exciting and challenging.

As we look back on our progress, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come—but we’re even more excited about where we’re headed. Our growth is a testament to the commitment of our coaches, players, families, and community, all of whom share in the values and mission that drive us forward.

At Braves Baseball Academy, we believe in more than just developing skilled athletes; we are committed to shaping well-rounded individuals. Our vision is to create a safe and positive learning environment where young players can thrive both on and off the field. We understand the challenges of competitive sports and are dedicated to helping our players navigate these challenges while encouraging growth in all areas of their lives.

We strive to prepare our players for the next level, not just physically but also mentally. Competing at the highest level requires discipline, focus, and a strong mindset, and our coaching staff works tirelessly to ensure that our players are equipped with the skills and mental toughness needed to succeed. By competing against the best, our players develop resilience, confidence, and the competitive spirit necessary for continued success in baseball and in life.

While baseball is our passion, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of academics. We encourage our players to excel in the classroom just as they do on the field. Being a student-athlete is about finding balance, and we help our players understand that success in the classroom directly contributes to success in athletics. Our goal is to foster well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and athletically, preparing them for opportunities beyond the diamond.
Finally, we are committed to shaping our players into positive contributors to society. We believe that the lessons learned in sports—such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and respect—extend far beyond the field. By instilling these values, we aim to equip our players with the tools they need to become responsible, respectful, and impactful individuals in their communities.

As Braves Baseball Academy continues to grow and evolve, we remain focused on our mission: developing athletes who are not only skilled in baseball but also strong in character, academics, and leadership. The journey has been rewarding, and we are excited to continue this adventure with our players, families, and the larger Braves community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had to show a friend around the city, one of the first places I’d take them is my backyard. It’s hands down one of my favorite spots. My home might be small, but my backyard is where I feel most at peace. I love hosting out there—grilling for friends, playing music, and watching the kids hit in the batting cage. It’s the perfect blend of good food, great company, and fun energy.

I don’t get to enjoy it as much as I’d like, but when I do, it’s always a reminder of how special that space is. It’s where memories are made, and I’d love to share that with others. There’s something about being outdoors, having a relaxed vibe, and connecting with friends that makes it feel like home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shout-out to my whole family—my incredible wife, my kids, and my dad. You all keep me going every day and have been my constant support, especially when things get tough. Thank you for putting up with me during the late nights and for always being there when I need you most.

To my brother and sisters, thank you for always having my back, no matter what. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me.

A huge thank you to my coaching staff—without each of you, none of this would be possible. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering support are the back bone of this organization.

A special thanks to Cesar—for the great advice and for always checking in on me, whether things are going amazing or when I’m struggling. Your positivity and genuine care have had a huge impact on me.

Finally, a big shout-out to The Bedros Keuilian Show. The insights and lessons from the show have been a major inspiration for me, helping me push to be better in every aspect of life—whether in business, personal growth, or just becoming a better person overall.

Grateful for all the support and wisdom I’ve received along the way. It truly makes a difference.

Website: https://Bravesbaseballacademy.org

Instagram: @bravesbaseballacademy

Twitter: BravesBBA

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bravesball4podcast?si=qdVh1_sPj8AQBxvu