The Tribune

FORMER pro baseball player Antoan Richardson thought his pioneering Major League career was over when he announced his retirement in 2017. It turns out that retirement was just the beginning of Richardson’s baseball journey.

The former outfielder who played with the Giants, Rangers, Braves, Orioles and, most notably, the New York Yankees has been hired by the Toronto Blue Jays as the outfield coordinator in the Player Development Department.

In his new role, Richardson will be responsible for leading a team of coaches tasked with developing Major League prospects in the minors. Commenting on his new role, Richardson said: “It’s humbling to be asked to take on this responsibility.

“I look forward to being a part of a group tasked with developing the best baseball players in the world. More importantly, developing men and women who will thrive long after their playing careers are over.”

Since his retirement, Richardson has spent most of his time travelling locally and internationally speaking to and encouraging young people on their life journeys. His heart has been entrenched at home, where he volunteers his time, mentoring youth in the Bahamas through Project Limestone - a non-profit organisation he established shortly after his retirement.

In his new capacity, Richardson believes there will be even more opportunities and doors opened for Bahamians beyond playing on the field.

“My playing days were about continuing a legacy started by five men before me: To keep chipping away at the glass ceiling for others to get through,” Richardson said. “In recent years we have seen a growth in the professional level and I am excited that there won’t be another 28-year gap between Bahamian Major League baseball players.”

Richardson continued: “I think there are even more opportunities to be had in the sporting industry and we have tapped into it in other sports. Now it’s time to get back into the fight and do my part in clearing down a path that will not only inspire others to pursue careers off the field but watch Bahamians become coaches, general managers and owners at the highest level in the industry.”

“These are uncharted waters but with God, the support, encouragement, and undying love of family and the Bahamian people, who needs a compass? I’m looking forward to people’s dreams growing even larger than before,” said Richardson.