NEW YORK – When the Yankees’ decision-maker When evaluating the talent pool ahead of the MLB draft, part of the equation is to gauge how each prospect would handle life in New York. Roc Riggio has proven he doesn’t back down from the spotlight.

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this21 Year-old Riggio – Yankees Monday’s fourth-round pick in the MLB draft — showing skill and bravado at Oklahoma State at second base . He has garnered national attention for several memorable home run celebrations, experiences that have prepared him well for one day donning pinstripes.

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“I like a goal on my back,” Riggio once told The Oklahoman. “I love it when people attack me. I love it when people say [crap] to me. I love it all. Let me hear it. Give it to me because I know I can handle it. For the rest of the people who can’t handle it Saying it’s different, but I know I can handle whatever you throw at me.”

Riggio in the 2021 NCAA Tournament Making waves in the regional game, he had his arms in the air as he tiptoed to third base in celebration of a home run.

So, Arkansas enters the bullpen for another 2-for-2, Oklahoma crowd absolutely Love it

on the next pitch , Roc Riggio Happened

7-2 @OSUBaseball pic.twitter.com/39btNpyMiJ

— Patrick Ebert (@PatrickEbert

) June 5th 20172022

The display was to complete a challenge from Riggio’s teammates who encouraged him to imitate Johnny De Pu’s role as Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie. That angered the Cowboys’ opponent of the day, the University of Arkansas. But for anyone who’s been in the Oklahoma State dugout, that’s Roc being Roc.

Criticism appeared both inside and outside the stands , but that didn’t seem to affect Riggio, who was a freshman at the time. Instead, he hit the next home run against Arkansas 61 – A second dash around the base path, showing content full of sarcasm.

“Heart is higher than height”, 5ft 9in tall, – LB Reggio said. “I’m a small guy, so I need to have that edge. For me, I’m trying to get that garbage bag edge to slide second, you take that guy out and you pick him up. So always respect the game , but also enjoy the game.”

MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds compared Riggio’s skills to former Red Sox sparker Dustin Pedroia.

Oregon State University (OSU) 1 Baseball coach Jordy Mercer, who played for in major league seasons (including brief stints with the Yankees at

), who told the Tulsa (Oklahoma) World that he thought Riggio was “the true definition of a baseball player.”

” under tremendous pressure He was so calm and relaxed,” Mercer said.

Riggio spent countless Hour batting cage in the backyard of his home in Simi Valley, California. He then went on to star at Thousand Oaks (California) High School, where he set a school record 15 Homer, 39 walk and 48 scored in his senior year.

Riggio is also with the US The team won a gold medal 18 U National Team 180. He was picked first by the Brewers 2017 MLB draft 2nd round, but he didn’t sign .

Rebounds From his freshman season, including recovery from offseason shoulder surgery and a less than stellar performance in the Cape Cod league, Regio was Oklahoma’s last season An integral part of Mary State University.

reduce. 461/.335/. 679 and19 doubles, three triples, 16 home run and 52 RBI Riggio showed great eye in home plate, walk 52 Second-rate2020 Strikeout.

“All our coaches talk about It’s about learning how to be a professional loser, how to deal with failure,” Riggio said. “I think for all of us who play, Summerball is learning about the grind and how to overcome failure.”

OSU baseball head coach Josh Holiday told The Oklahoman that he feels Riggio’s past few years have helped him mature up.

“I think he understands baseball now Tough, and There will be some ups and downs, but the ups and downs only last so long when you keep your mind on the fight,” Holliday said. “I applaud the way he handles himself. I think it’s amazing that he just grew up. That’s why we all go to college.”

Now, a new chapter seems to be beginning for Riggio. Pro Ball awaits.

2023