Mumba Rivera

Mumba St. Clair Rivera

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 5", Weight 205 lb.

• Born December 10, 1980, in St. Croix. U.S. Virgin Islands
• School Marshalltown Community College, Bethune-Cookman College

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

The U.S. Virgin Islands haven't been turning out players like they used to, but pitcher Mumba Rivera is one of the more successful prospects of the 21st century to date. He never reached the majors, but he did get as high as Triple-A for parts of the 2008 and 2010 seasons.

Rivera was originally a 28th-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays (then still known as the Devil Rays) in 2001. After trasnferring to Bethine-Cookman, Rivera was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 21st round in 2004. He started 5 of 18 games in his first pro season and 27 of 28 in his second year. After that, however, the Mariners focused Rivera on the bullpen.

Rivera spent seven seasons in the Mariners chain, then joined Camden of the independent Atlantic League in 2011. His record as a pro was 38-41, with a 4.63 ERA and 23 saves. He had a live arm, striking out 7.8 batters per 9 innings pitched, but was also rather wild, with a 4.8 BB/9 ratio. In addition, he was prone to giving up the long ball (70 in 561 1/3 IP).