Legends on Deck Podcast, Episode 17: A Journey Through Professional Baseball with T.J. Rivera

T.J. Rivera went undrafted out of Troy University, but signed with the New York Mets organization in 2011.  Through hard work and determination, he made it to the big leagues in 2016.  In 2017, he played for team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and helped them to reach the tournament finals.  After 10 years playing professional baseball, T.J. decided it was time to start the next adventure in his life and signed on as a minor league coach with the Cleveland Guardians organization. He is currently coaching in the Arizona Complex League.

Brian and David sat down with T.J. for a wide ranging conversation about life in professional baseball.  T.J. reflects on his years grinding it out in the minors, his debut with the Mets and shares a lot about his approach to the game.  He also gets into how he’s made the adjustment from player to coach in just a few month time frame.  T.J. shares his experience working with young prospects at the Guardians’ Arizona complex.

David and T.J. also reflect on their nine year friendship that started when T.J. played for the St. Lucie Mets.  Rivera’s career has been well documented at Legends on Deck.  It has been a privilege watching him grow as a player and we greatly look forward to following his future success on the coaching side.

Enjoy Episode 17 of the Legends on Deck Podcast!

CLICK HERE for the full history of T.J. Rivera coverage at Legends on Deck.

 

Intro Voice Over: MLB 12-Year Veteran Michael Tucker

Music: Stock Music

Photo: Courtesy of Rivera Family

Videos: MLB.com