How Mariners' Leo Rivas is an inspiring $40,000 story
This is a really cool story for Seattle.
How Mariners' Leo Rivas is an inspiring $40,000 story originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Leo Rivas wasn't supposed to make it.
When he signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2014 out of Venezuela, it was for just $40,000. Now 14 years later, Rivas is starting on Opening Day for the Seattle Mariners -- what a journey. Rivas is 28 years old now, and he didn't even make his MLB debut until two seasons ago when he was 26.
The 5-foot-7 infielder first toiled in the minor leagues for a decade. Rivas played two seasons in the Dominican Summer League. He spent parts of four different seasons in Rookie ball.
MORE: Mike Trout, Tiger Woods, and Superman without his cape He needed two seasons at Single-A, one season at High-A, and has been in Double-A and Triple-A in parts of three different seasons apiece. This hasn't been a straightforward baseball journey. This has been a lengthy, winding path.