Story by
Braves Hire Former Yankee Tied to an Iconic Derek Jeter Moment
- Story by
- Braves Hire Former Yankee Tied to an Iconic Derek Jeter Moment
The Atlanta Braves are set to hire Antoan Richardson , a former MLB outfielder perhaps best known for scoring on New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter 's final hit at Yankee Stadium in 2014, as their new first base coach.
Richardson, who turned 42 on October 8, spent the last two seasons as the New York Mets ' first base coach. He previously held the same role with the San Francisco Giants from 2020 through 2023.
Advertisement
Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner is also taking the same position with the Braves after six years in Queens. The Mets fired Hefner in October and had not hired a new pitching coach as of Wednesday afternoon.
The moves come two days after Atlanta officially promoted bench coach Walt Weiss to manager. Weiss replaces Brian Snitker, who managed the Braves from 2016 through 2025 and led the club to a 2021 World Series title.
What to Know About Braves First Base Coach Antoan Richardson
Antoan Richardson spent the last two seasons as the New York Mets' first base coachReinhold Matay-Imagn Images
A 35th-round pick of the San Francisco Giants in 2005, Richardson made a name for himself as an excellent baserunner and defender. However, the Giants released him in July 2009, and he continued his career with the Schaumburg Flyers, an Illinois-based independent team.
Advertisement
The speedy Richardson joined the Braves in May 2010 and made his MLB debut in September 2011. Atlanta primarily used him as a pinch runner, and he went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in nine games.
However, Richardson is best known for his 13-game stint with the Yankees in 2014. Not only did he hit .313 with five stolen bases in 13 games, but he scored the game-winning run on Jeter's two-run, walk-off single against the Baltimore Orioles in the latter's Yankee Stadium finale.
"At the time, I couldn't believe what had just happened," Richardson wrote for Jeter's The Players' Tribune in 2017. "But I suppose that's what the great ones do, right? They leave the party in style.
Advertisement
"Sampras beat Agassi in a nail-biter in the U.S. Open final," Richardson continued. "Kobe messed around and dropped 60 in his last game, and now The Captain had delivered a walk-off single to say goodnight to Yankee Stadium!"
Richardson retired from professional baseball in 2017 and joined the Giants as a field coordinator two years later. He ended his MLB career as a .313 hitter with a .665 OPS and six stolen bases in as many attempts.
The Braves Will Look Much Different in 2026
Longtime Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman announced on X/Twitter that the Braves had already informed pitching coach Rick Kranitz, third base coach Fredi González, and first base coach Tom Goodwin that they won't return in 2026. González, who managed the Braves from 2011 through 2016, returned to the club this past season.
Advertisement
Kranitz served as Atlanta's pitching coach since 2019, while Goodwin had been the first base coach since 2024.
The FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Braves as +2000 (bet $100 for a $2,100 payout) to win the 2026 World Series. That ranks fourth in the National League, trailing the Dodgers (+350), Phillies (+1000), and Mets (+1100) as of November 5.
Related: Brian Cashman Defends Yankees' Offensive Philosophy After ALDS Loss: 'You Need It All'
Advertisement
Related: Former Royals Pitcher Speaks Out After Lou Whitaker Hall of Fame Snub
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
