The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IT'S been a journey of hills and valleys for the country's latest player to play in the Major League Baseball.

Originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 27th round of the 2001 amateur draft, Antoan Richardson decided that he wasn't quite ready and he stayed at American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Florida, until he was drafted for the third time, this time by the San Francisco Giants in the 35th round in 2005.

He went on to play in the pipelines with both the Giants and the Atlanta Braves until the Braves called him up to the MBL, where he made his debut on September 4.

But after being released out of his free agency agreement on November 2, Richardson signed with the Orioles as a free agent on December 16 where he will be starting his pro journey all over again.

"To be able just to get that opportunity and to be able to say after all this time you put in, you finally accomplish something that you look forward too all your life, it's a good feeling," said Richardson about his brief stint in September with the Braves.

In the nine days he played in, Richardson went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, scoring twice.

When he got the call to play for the Braves, Richardson said he was actually in North Carolina at a pizza parlor when the manager of his AA team phoned him and informed him that he wanted to see him right away.

When he went into the room, Richardson said he thought his manager was informing him that he was moving up to the majors, but he thought he was joking and that he was only going to AAA.

"From that point on, I was happy," he said. "I was thankful for the opportunity. I didn't jump though the wall, but I was thankful. When you get to that point, you realise that it's the start of something new and the goal to stay there becomes even greater."

Having played the sport for about 18 years, 28-year-old Richardson said he will continue to work ever harder to get that feeling again about playing in the majors.

"The guys who are responsible for how my career goes, I will let them make that decision," Richardson stated. "I will just take care of what I have to take care off (playing baseball)."

Having signed with the Orioles, Richardson said he's prepared to go through the vigorous process of playing the majors again when he get set to go into spring training in February.

Fresh from playing some winter baseball in Puerto Rico, Richardson is in town taking advantage of some rest and relaxation before he starts training here at home.

Reflecting on the transition from the minors to the majors, Richardson said it's all a preparation for the big leagues, but he understands that he has to pay his dues.

"In order to get that big contract, you need to go up there and perform," he stressed. "Yea, you need that opportunity, but the thing is, in order to be successful at this game, you have to put the business part of it on the side and focus on what you have to do.

"That's why it's so important to be mentally tough and say this is what I can control and if they are going to give me an opportunity, then great. If they don't, you have to love it and not be concerned about trying to make a million dollars."

As for his rollercoaster ride, Richardson said it's a hard pill to swallow when you are demoted.

"But at the same time, I personally got to the point where I don't allow it to affect me," he quipped. "I've competed at the highest level and I understand the nature of the beast. I understand how this thing works.

"I'm not going to allow someone else to dampen my spirits. If I get sent down, I'm not going to pout about it. I'm just going to prove that I don't belong down in the minor leagues. I'm going to work hard to get back to the majors."

For those with aspiration to follow in his footsteps on the pro circuit, Richardson said first and foremost, the individual have to be dedicated because "there's going to be a lot of trials, but you can't give in to it.

"You have to have a lot of self-confidence in yourself, knowing that you will be able to go through the hard times and still believe that you can make it.

"There's going to be a lot of tough times, but you just have to keep going."

Yesterday, at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Richardson got a chance to view the plans for the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center.

Based on what he's seen, Richardson said he personally wants to return home when it's completed and get a chance to train in the Bahamas and share his wealth of experience with the Bahamian public.

"It's exciting, so I'm hoping that it will happen sooner than later, so we can have the opportunity to use these facilities," he said.