The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubb@tribunemedia.net

HE had an enjoyable stint with both the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees as a player, but Antoan Richardson said he's now more intrigued by his new role as a coach in Major League Baseball.

After completing his tenure as a player with the Yankees in 2014, Richardson returned to Atlanta during the off season as the first base coach.

It was in May 2010 when he signed a minor league contract with the Braves and became the sixth Bahamian to play in the majors for Atlanta a year later.

Now after serving as a coach with the San Francisco Giants from 2020-2023 and the New York Mets last year, Richardson is back in Atlanta as the Braves' first base coach.

"I'm trying to finish off here strong as we make a run for the playoffs," Richardson said. "I've been able to transition well and our team is doing well, so I'm just kind of excited to see what the month of the season has in store for us."

The Braves, who are completing a two-game series with the Washington Nationals at the Nationals Park in Washington, are currently leading the National League East with an 82-56 win-loss record. 

Moving from the playing field to the sidelines, Richardson said he's not taking it lightly because there's a lot of gratitude and gratefulness to God for his achievement. "I just want to continue to do well and help our players as best as I can to do well so that we can get to our ultimate goal," Richardson pointed out.

"We have an opportunity to play more baseball in the playoffs and if we get there, that puts us in a position to win, so I'm looking forward to continuing the journey with them."

As a former major leaguer, Richardson said he's super excited to welcome third baseman Bertram 'BJ' Murray as the ninth Bahamian to play in MLB. 

Murray, 26, was promoted by the Chicago Cubs yesterday from Triple-A Iowa where he had 16 home runs and 68 RBI as a minor leaguer. "He's put in a lot of time and energy to get this opportunity. He really worked hard for this," Richardson said. "I got to see him when he came home during the offseason.

"His discipline and his dedication to his craft is a sight to see. This was a matter of time before he got there. Now he just has to make the best of his opportunity."

The Cubs were scheduled to insert Murray in their line-up as a designated hitter last night in the second of their 4-game series against the Brewers.