Ben Rivera
From BR Bullpen
Bienvenido Santana Rivera
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 6", Weight 210 lb.
- High School San Pedro Aposo High School
- Debut April 9, 1992
- Final Game July 31, 1994
- Born January 11, 1968 in San Pedro de Macoris, D.R.
[edit] Biographical Information
In 1988, a clerical error by the Atlanta Braves exposed Ben Rivera to the Rule V Draft. As a result, the Braves had to pay $50,000 and use the first pick in the draft to keep one of their own prospects.
Never a star in the majors, Rivera went to Taiwan in 1997, signing with the China Trust Whales where he went 5-5 with 24 saves. In 1998, he signed with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese Central League. That year, he was 2-3 with 27 saves and a 2.38 ERA for the Tigers; he was third in the Central League in saves. In 1999, Rivera was 1-1 with 12 saves and a 0.71 ERA (1.42 RA) in 25.3 innings. He allowed just 12 hits and 6 walks, while striking out 29. An elbow injury that season cut short his year and needed surgery. The Tigers released Rivera. He later returned to Asia for a second go-around in Taiwan's top league.
The tall righty went to a fourth country in 2002, signing with the Mexico City Red Devils. He has pitched for several Mexican League teams in the time since, usually as a closer.
In 2011, he was appointed by Major League Baseball as one of two pitching instructors in El Torneo Supremo.
