Mickey Has Been Traveling The Country Signing Copies Of His Book

Ex-Yankee Opening School
Miami Herald
Originally posted 7/11/2004

Miami, Fl.--Miami-born John Milton Rivers, better known as New York Yankees baseball player Mickey Rivers, is opening the first major league year-round baseball academy at 20911 Johnson St., at U.S. 27 and Johnson Street in the Chapel Trail Corporate Park in Pembroke Pines.

The new Mickey Rivers Baseball Academy is scheduled to open Monday for kids 6 and older, including adults.

The indoor facility measures 9,000 square, feet with seven batting cages and pitching machines that throw fastballs, change-ups, curves and sliders. The machines can throw from 40 to 90 mph.

Also available are pitching mounds and radar guns for pitching instruction; tee work; soft toss machines; pro-taught instruction; game room; snack bars; and a souvenir shop.

The academy is offering two free months with a one-year full membership. For times and information, call 954-322-5355.

Yankee Legend opens ''The Mickey Rivers Baseball Academy''
by Rose Reeder
Westside Gazette
Originally posted 7/14/2004

Miami, Fl.--Born in Miami, John Milton ''Mickey'' Rivers grew up playing baseball, football, basketball and running track at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. His first love was football but a back injury caused him to focus on playing baseball. In his book, Ain't No Sense in Worryin' The Wit and Wisdom of '' Mick the Quick'' Rivers, Mickey quotes his grandmother as saying, ''You are going to be my baseball player''.

Mickey's grandmother planted this thought in his mind at an early age and he credits her for preparing him for his baseball career.

After graduating from Miami Northwestern, Mickey attended Miami Dade Community College, a big baseball school that catapulted Mickey's career. The rest is history as Mickey Rivers, a living legend with the New York Yankees, was ''the lead off man and the sparkplug that pushed the Yankees into three straight World Series, including World Championships in '77 and '78.

Mickey was part of the ''Bronx Zoo'' with the infamous team manager Billy Martin ( died in an accident) George Steinbrenner owner of the Yankees and other legends including Reggie Jackson. Mickey played and rubbed shoulders with the best of the best in Baseball.

Still affiliated with the Yankees in a coaching capacity, Mickey is doing what he does best, Baseball! Early on in his career, Mickey reached out to youth in various communities. He has a real heart for helping kids develop their skills. He feels it helps to keep them out of trouble if they have a sport or skill to focus on.

Mickey said during this interview ''I am happy if I can teach one or two kids a skill''. Mickey has an interest in kids learning and he is eager to share with them his pattern for success, which includes a strong work ethic, dedication and persistence.

He briefly mentioned the importance of listening, kids obeying their parents and following the golden rule; treating others the way you want to be treated.

In the movie, Field of Dreams there is the famous quote ''Build it and they will come''. Well Mickey Rivers has done just that! Mickey is offering professionally taught baseball in our back yard.

Mickey said, “A lot of his professional friends will come teach, sign autographs and volunteer their time to help the youth. Scholarships will be provided and future plans include providing transportation for kids less fortunate in Broward and Miami Dade.”

The year round '' Mickey Rivers Baseball Academy'' is located at 20911 Johnson Street in Pembroke Pines ( located on Johnson and US 27, in Chapel Trail Commerce Center, Bldg 2 Units 112-116 ) for children ages six and older and adults.

The indoor facility is 9000 square feet with six batting cages; pitching machines that throw fastballs, change up, curve and slider (throws 40-90 miles per hour, (Adjustment by staff only). Pitching mounds and jug radar guns (for pitching instructions ) Tee work; soft toss machines; State of the art equipment; Pro taught instructions; Souvenir and Gift shop, Game room and Snack bars. Receive two free months on a one-year full memberships. For times and fees please call (954) 322-5355.

For Mickey Rivers it is about broadening kids' minds and encouraging them to reach for their dreams with the understanding that reaching for those dreams involves commitment to grow and change and a determination not to give up.