The Six Degrees of J.P. Ricciardi: Worcester’s Major League Baseball Impact
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Although the theory remains unproven, it’s hard to argue that Major League Baseball players and front office personnel from the Worcester and Central Massachusetts area would have difficulty tracing their career back to one Worcester native: J.P. Ricciardi.
“No one has done more for people in Worcester and Central Mass than J.P. Ricciardi, and he does it all without any fanfare or publicity because he doesn't want any," said Kevin Shea, Charter TV3 Sports Director.
SEE SLIDES BELOW: CENTRAL MA MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS AND PERSONNEL AT SPRING TRAINING
Ricciardi was born in Worcester and attended St. Peter-Marian High School. Following a college career at St.Leo’s in Florida and a brief stint with the New York Mets Single-A team, Ricciardi went on to become a coach in the minor league system with the New York Yankees in the early 1980s.
Ricciardi's Holy Name Connections
In 1986, Ricciardi became a scout with the Oakland A’s and quickly moved up the ranks. During the offseason while Ricciardi’s was with the A’s, he was the Holy Name High School basketball coach.
"J.P. was my hoops coach at Holy Name and now he's one of my bosses with the Mets. Really, he's been a mentor for many years for myself, as well as my two brothers. He's just a great person and friend," said Shaun McNamara, professional scout for the New York Mets. "Both my brother Dave and I loved playing for him at Holy Name and for me to continue our relationship on a professional level with the Mets has been awesome."
In 2010, Ricciardi joined the New York Mets and is currently Special Assistant to General Manager Sandy Alderson.
Another former Holy Name basketball player of Ricciardi's is getting his shot with the Boston Red Sox this season. Bryan Lahair, HN Class of 2000, is in camp with the Sox after spending most of his MLB career between the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs. Following a one year stint in Japan and a year with the Cleveland Indians, the Red Sox invited Lahair to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.
Ricciardi Has Worcester Players' Backs
Before he went to the Mets, Ricciardi spent nine seasons as the General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2001-2009.
In 2007, while with the Blue Jays, Ricciardi hired Worcester native and former St.John’s standout Brian Abraham as the Jays’ bullpen catcher. Today, Abraham is the Assistant Director of Player Development for the Boston Red Sox.
Abraham said, “I’ve known J.P. longer than I can remember. In high school I was always curious about what he did working in baseball. I was lucky enough that he provided me with my first opportunity to work in baseball.”
“When I received my promotion with the Red Sox, he was one of the first people I called. I thanked him for everything he has done for me. He gave me an opportunity to go after my dreams to be part of Major League Baseball. Hopefully some day, I’ll be able to repay him him in some way.”
This past October, Collins pitched in the World Series for the Royals against the San Francisco Giants. Collins pitched two innings in a loss in Game 1. Collins struck out two and didn’t give up any earned runs. Collins pitched a total of five innings in the World Series, but the Royals ultimately lost in seven games.
“He’s always had New Englander players’ backs in terms of giving them the opportunity they deserve whether it be college or pro ball. He’s so close knit with everyone and very integral in a lot of players careers. He’s done a lot to help me out as well as a lot of other players,” said Tyler Beede, an Auburn native and 2014 1st round draft pick of the defending champion Giants. Beede said Ricciardi has always given him great advice and has been an important part of his and his family's life.
Ricciardi Gives Back to Worcester
"He's helped a ton of people, including myself establish their careers in baseball. He's got a lot of pride in the area and the Northeast in general and I know he enjoys seeing local people succeed," said McNamara.
Beede, along with Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons and current Toronto Blue Jay and Assumption College star Chris Colabello, joined Ricciardi this January as part of the Worcester Bravehearts' "Heart Stove" reception. Worcester's Future Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) team hosted the event to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.
Abraham said, “The best things about J.P. are is that he’s honest, he’s never forgotten where he comes from, and he’s very humble. There’s not enough words to describe how good of a person he is. I owe him a lot. I owe him my career. He’s a good baseball guy, but an even better person.”
Related Slideshow: Central MA Major League Baseball Players and Personnel at Spring Training
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