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Jim Riggleman
Jim Riggleman
Jim Riggleman
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James David Riggleman (born November 9, 1952) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) manager and bench coach who coached with several teams between 1989 and 2019.

Key Information

During his playing career, Riggleman was an infielder and outfielder in the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals minor league systems from 1974 to 1981. After his playing career ended, he managed in the Cardinals and San Diego Padres minor league systems until 1992, when he became the Padres' manager. From 1992 to 2011 Riggleman managed the Padres, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals, and also served as a major league coach with the Dodgers, Mariners, and Nationals between his managerial stints. His most recent major league managerial job was with the Nationals, a post he resigned from on June 23, 2011. Subsequently, he was employed as a scout with the San Francisco Giants. In 2015 he became a coach with the Cincinnati Reds. On April 19, 2018, he became the Reds' interim manager after Bryan Price was fired.[1]

Playing career

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Riggleman attended Frostburg State University. In 1972 and 1973 he played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and was named a league all-star in 1973.[2][3][4] He was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1974 MLB draft,[5] and was assigned to the double-A level Waterbury Dodgers, where he played third base and second base.[6] During the 1976 season, Riggleman transferred to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was assigned to the double-A Arkansas Travelers and played in both infield and outfield. His career peaked at the triple-A level, which he reached in the Cardinals organization in 1977 and 1979. Riggleman's playing career ended after the 1981 season at the age of 28.[6]

Coaching and managing career

[edit]

St. Louis Cardinals (1983–1990)

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In 1983, Riggleman became manager of the St. Petersburg Cardinals, a Class-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, in the Florida State League. He next managed at the Double-A level in the Cardinals organization—including with the Arkansas Travelers, the team which he spent most of his playing career with.[6]

San Diego Padres (1992–1994)

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Riggleman made his major league managerial debut with the San Diego Padres late in the 1992 season—after already managing a full season with the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars—due to the late season departure of Greg Riddoch, and was retained through the 1994 season.[7] He finished with a record of 112 wins and 179 losses.[7]

Chicago Cubs (1995–1999)

[edit]

In 1995 he became manager of the Chicago Cubs. In 1998, Riggleman's Cubs earned a wild card postseason appearance that ultimately resulted in a loss to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series. Riggleman would manage the Cubs through the 1999 season.[7] He finished with a record of 374 wins and 419 losses.[7]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2001–2004)

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Riggleman spent the period from 2001 to 2004 as bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers under manager Jim Tracy.

Seattle Mariners (2008)

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Riggleman began the 2008 season as the bench coach for the Seattle Mariners under new manager John McLaren. He was promoted to interim manager upon McLaren's dismissal on June 19, 2008,[8] but was not retained by the Mariners after the season ended. He finished with a record of 36 wins and 54 losses.[7]

Washington Nationals (2009–2011)

[edit]
Riggleman with the Nationals

Riggleman was named bench coach for the Washington Nationals for the 2009 season, and was promoted to interim manager on July 12, 2009, following Manny Acta's midseason dismissal.[9] Riggleman picked McLaren as his bench coach. Riggleman hired Burton Rocks as his agent to negotiate his managerial deal with the Washington Nationals in November 2009.[10][11] The Nationals retained Riggleman as manager for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, but on June 23, 2011, he resigned as manager of the Nationals after a win against the Seattle Mariners and after the team won 11 of its previous 12 games. Riggleman was unhappy the team had yet to pick up his contract option for the 2012 season. He said he told team management before the game he "wanted to have a conversation" about his contract before the team left for a series against the Chicago White Sox, but "they didn't want to do that", so he offered his resignation. "I'm 58, I'm too old to be disrespected", he said.[12][13] He finished with a record of 140 wins and 172 losses.[7]

Cincinnati Reds (2012–2018)

[edit]

For the 2012 season, Riggleman managed the Cincinnati Reds AA minor league affiliate, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, ending the season with a 68–70 record.[14] On December 12, 2012, Riggleman was promoted to manage the Reds' Class AAA team, the Louisville Bats, in 2013.[15] On January 6, 2014, the Reds announced Riggleman would return as manager of the Bats in 2014.[16] On November 10, 2014, the Reds announced Riggleman would be their third base coach for the 2015 season[17] replacing Steve Smith. On April 19, 2018, Riggleman was named interim manager after the firing of Bryan Price.[1] He was not retained as the manager after the 2018 season.[18]

New York Mets (2019)

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Riggleman was named the bench coach of the New York Mets on November 26, 2018, and was not retained after the 2019 season ended.

Billings Mustangs (2022)

[edit]

Riggleman was the manager of the Billings Mustangs in the Pioneer League for the 2022 season.[19][20]

Managerial record

[edit]
As of games played on September 30, 2018.[21]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Games Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
SD 1992 12 4 8 .333 interim – – – –
SD 1993 162 61 101 .377 7th in NL West – – – –
SD 1994 117 47 70 .402 fired – – – –
SD Total 291 112 179 .385 0 0 –
CHC 1995 144 73 71 .507 3rd in NL Central – – – –
CHC 1996 162 76 86 .469 4th in NL Central – – – –
CHC 1997 162 68 94 .420 5th in NL Central – – – –
CHC 1998 163 90 73 .552 2nd in NL Central 0 3 .000 Lost NLDS (ATL)
CHC 1999 162 67 95 .417 6th in NL Central – – – –
CHC Total 793 374 419 .472 0 3 .000
SEA 2008 90 36 54 .400 interim – – – –
SEA Total 90 36 54 .400 0 0 –
WSH 2009 75 33 42 .440 interim – – – –
WSH 2010 162 69 93 .426 5th in NL East – – – –
WSH 2011 75 38 37 .507 resigned – – – –
WSH Total 312 140 172 .449 – – –
CIN 2018 144 64 80 .444 interim – – – –
CIN Total 144 64 80 .444 0 0 –
Total 1630 726 904 .445 0 3 .000

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jim Riggleman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
James David Riggleman (born November 9, 1952) is an American professional baseball coach and manager with over 50 years of experience in the sport. A graduate of , he began his professional career as a minor league player for the and St. Louis Cardinals organizations before transitioning to coaching and managing roles. Riggleman's Major League Baseball managerial tenure spans parts of five teams, where he amassed a record of 726 wins and 904 losses for a .445 . He first managed the Padres from 1992 to 1994, followed by a five-year stint with the Cubs from 1995 to 1999, during which he led the team to the in 1998 as the wild card winner. He later served as interim manager for the Mariners in 2008, managed the from 2009 to 2011, and returned to the majors as interim manager for the in 2018. Throughout his career, Riggleman has emphasized player development, strategy, and building trust in the clubhouse. In addition to managing, Riggleman held several coaching positions, including first base coach for the St. Louis Cardinals (1989–1990), third base coach for the Cleveland Indians (2000), bench coach for the (2001–2004), third base coach and bench coach for the (2015–2018), and bench coach for the (2019). He also managed in the for teams such as the (1985–1988), Las Vegas Stars (1991–1992), (2012), and (2013–2014). In 2022, Riggleman managed the of the independent Pioneer League.

Early life and education

Family and upbringing

James David Riggleman was born on November 9, 1952, at , , to a military family. His father passed away when Jim was young, after which his mother remarried a surveyor and worked at Hot Shoppes cafeterias to support the family. The family, including Riggleman's three brothers, relocated to , where they settled in a modest suburban neighborhood in the Silver Rock area. The brothers shared a strong interest in sports, with the oldest excelling in football at the University of in the early , the younger one playing football at Rockville High School, and all being avid enthusiasts influenced by their stepfather's fandom. Riggleman attended , where he graduated in 1971 after lettering in and . His early exposure to came through leagues and local sports in the area, where he developed a passion for the game amid the region's athletic community. As a , he became a devoted fan of the Washington Senators, listening to games on a and attending his first major league contest at at age eight, an experience that ignited his lifelong connection to the sport. Family involvement in athletics further shaped his interests, with the Riggleman household emphasizing participation in , football, and during his formative years in Rockville. These early influences from his family's athletic environment and regional culture laid the foundation for Riggleman's path, leading him to pursue formal education at .

College years

Riggleman attended in , where he majored in . He graduated with a in 1974. During his college years, Riggleman was a standout in , earning three varsity letters from 1972 to 1974 as an primarily at second and third base. He led the Bobcats in home runs, RBIs, and each of those seasons, setting school records with 22 career home runs, 44 extra-base hits, and 199 over 111 games; his career was .312 with a .603 . As a in 1972, he played second base on the team's squad, and in 1974, he received Honorable Mention All-American honors at third base along with All-Area and All-District recognition in 1973 and 1974. Riggleman also lettered in men's for two seasons as a ball-handling guard, scoring 323 points in 45 games. In recognition of his athletic contributions, Riggleman was inducted into the Frostburg State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 as its 32nd member. Following graduation, he aspired to a professional career in baseball.

Playing career

Minor league beginnings

Jim Riggleman was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 1974 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Frostburg State University, marking his entry into professional baseball as an infielder. Following his college baseball experience at Frostburg State, which provided foundational skills for pro ball, Riggleman signed with the Dodgers and was assigned to their Double-A affiliate, the Waterbury Dodgers in the Eastern League. In his debut professional season of 1974, Riggleman appeared in 80 games for Waterbury, batting .266 with 8 home runs and 41 RBIs while primarily playing second base (49 games) and third base (19 games). He returned to Waterbury in 1975, where he focused almost exclusively on third base across 129 games, though specific performance metrics from that year highlight his ongoing development amid stiff competition for infield positions in the Dodgers' system. During the 1976 season, Riggleman was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals organization and reassigned to their Double-A affiliate, the in the , after beginning the year with Waterbury. This midseason move required adjustment to a new team and league, where he split time between third base (58 games total), outfield (47 games, mostly with Waterbury), and briefly first base, facing challenges from roster competition and the demands of transitioning organizations early in his career.

Career progression and statistics

Riggleman began his professional career after being selected by the in the fourth round of the 1974 MLB Draft, but his progression from 1977 onward occurred primarily within the St. Louis Cardinals' system following a mid-1976 trade. In 1977, he split time between the Double-A and the Triple-A , earning a promotion to the highest level early in the . He returned to Double-A in 1978 for a standout partial , batting .293 with solid power output before an injury limited his play. The following year, 1979, saw another promotion to Triple-A with the Springfield Redbirds alongside time at , demonstrating his versatility as a and . Riggleman's peak performance came in 1980 at Double-A , where he hit 21 home runs and 90 RBI while posting a .295 and a .929 at third base over 127 games. His 1981 season was abbreviated to 37 games at , with a .241 average, after which he retired from playing at age 28. Over his entire career from 1974 to 1981, Riggleman appeared in 771 games, accumulating 746 hits, 66 home runs, and 391 RBI while maintaining a .269 and a fielding percentage of approximately .910 primarily at third base. Focusing on his 1977–1981 progression within the Cardinals' system, he played 434 games with a .263 , 46 home runs, 234 RBI, and a .911 fielding percentage at third base.
YearTeam (Level)GamesBatting Avg.HRRBIFielding % (3B)
1977 (AA) / New Orleans (AAA)130.2481763.907
1978 (AA)59.293434.864
1979 (AA) / Springfield (AAA)81.256332.917
1980 (AA)127.2952190.929
1981 (AA)37.241115.909

Coaching and managing career

St. Louis Cardinals era (1983–1990)

Riggleman joined the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1983 following the end of his playing career in their system from 1976 to 1981, starting as manager of the Class A St. Petersburg Cardinals in the . In his debut season, he posted a 70-64 record, guiding the team to a fifth-place finish, and followed with a 71-73 mark in 1984, ending seventh. Promoted to Double-A in 1985, Riggleman took over the of the , where he managed for four seasons. His tenure there included a 64-70 record in 1985 (fifth place, first-round playoff loss), 67-67 in 1986 (fourth place), and 72-63 in 1987 (fourth place), demonstrating steady development of prospects within a competitive system. In 1988, he started the year 32-38 before being replaced midway through the season on June 21. Overall, Riggleman's managing in the Cardinals' affiliates from 1983 to 1988 yielded a combined record of 377-375 across six seasons, reflecting consistent performance in building player skills and team discipline. After his field managing roles, Riggleman served as the Cardinals' director of player development for one year, overseeing the organization's talent pipeline. He then advanced to the major league level in 1989 as first base coach under manager , a role he retained through the 1990 season, marking his initial MLB staff position after years of groundwork in the minors.

San Diego Padres (1992–1994)

Riggleman was promoted to manager of the Padres on September 23, 1992, following the midseason firing of Greg Riddoch, with whom the team had compiled a 78-72 record earlier that year. Taking over for the final 12 games of the season, Riggleman guided the Padres to a 4-8 finish, contributing to the team's overall 82-80 record and third-place standing in the . His prior experience as a coach in the Cardinals organization had positioned him for this major league debut. In 1993, Riggleman managed the full season amid significant roster upheaval, including the trade of star Roberto Alomar to the Toronto Blue Jays, which contributed to a disappointing 61-101 record and last-place finish in the NL West. Key contributors under his guidance included outfielder Tony Gwynn, who batted .336 and provided consistent offensive leadership, and first baseman , who hit 37 home runs despite the team's struggles. The Padres' performance reflected challenges with pitching depth and defensive inconsistencies, as the staff posted a 4.30 while the team committed 141 errors. The 1994 season proved even more turbulent, shortened by the players' strike that began on August 12 after 117 games, leaving the Padres at 47-70 and in fourth place in the NL West. Gwynn again anchored the lineup, winning his fifth batting title with a .394 average—his closest pursuit of .400 since 1941—while players like and McGriff offered power before midseason trades altered the roster. Riggleman's overall tenure with yielded a 112-179 record. Following the strike, he departed the organization in October 1994 to become manager of the Chicago Cubs, paving the way for third-base coach to succeed him.

Chicago Cubs (1995–1999)

Jim Riggleman was hired as manager of the Chicago Cubs on October 21, 1994, succeeding Tom Trebelhorn following a disappointing 49-64 season in the strike-shortened year. At 41, Riggleman brought experience from his time with the Padres, where he had demonstrated an ability to handle competitive teams in larger markets, which he applied to the high-expectation environment at . During the 1995–1998 seasons, Riggleman guided the Cubs to progressively competitive records, starting with a 73–71 finish in his debut year that placed third in the NL Central. The team improved to 76–86 in 1996 and endured a challenging 68–94 campaign in 1997 amid injuries and inconsistencies, but rebounded strongly in 1998 with a 90–73 record, clinching the NL Wild Card berth after a victory over the Giants. Central to this success were star players like Sammy , who hit 66 s in the iconic 1998 home run chase against , and first baseman , whose consistent .300-plus batting averages provided lineup stability. Riggleman's strategic approach emphasized lineup optimizations to maximize power hitting during the emerging steroid era, positioning Sosa in the heart of the order while balancing Grace's contact skills with emerging sluggers to drive run production. He focused on pitcher management and defensive alignments to support the offense, while fostering clubhouse leadership through motivational tactics that commanded player respect without overt confrontation. The 1999 season brought significant challenges, as the Cubs struggled to a 67–95 record, finishing last in the NL Central after winning just 26 of 77 games following the break due to injuries, pitching woes, and underperformance from veterans. Riggleman was fired on October 4, 1999, one day after the season ended, with Ed Lynch citing the need to shift the team's clubhouse attitude amid unmet expectations from a $60 million . Over his five-year tenure, Riggleman compiled an overall record of 374–419.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2001–2004)

In November 2000, Jim Riggleman was hired as the bench coach for the , joining manager Jim Tracy's staff ahead of the 2001 season. A former major league manager with the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, Riggleman brought extensive experience to support Tracy, who was entering his first full season as a big-league skipper. His appointment filled a key advisory position, leveraging his prior coaching stints, including third-base coach for the Cleveland Indians in 2000. As bench coach, Riggleman assisted Tracy with in-game strategy, player matchups, and overall tactical decisions, drawing on his managerial background to provide guidance during a period of team rebuilding and contention. The Dodgers improved steadily under this staff, posting an 86-76 record in 2001 (third in the NL West), followed by 92-70 in 2002 (also third) and 85-77 in 2003 (second place). Riggleman's insights from managing the Cubs informed his contributions to base-running and situational play, helping foster a competitive edge in tight divisional races. In , the Dodgers achieved their strongest mark of the era with a 93-69 record, clinching the NL West title and advancing to the Division Series, where they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals. Riggleman praised Tracy's meticulous preparation, noting it as among the best he had seen in his career, which underscored the collaborative dynamic that propelled the team's success. Throughout his tenure, he worked closely with the coaching staff, including hitting coach and pitching coach Jim Colborn, contributing to a balanced approach that emphasized fundamentals amid high-profile performances from players like outfielder and closer Eric Gagné. Following the 2004 postseason, Riggleman departed the organization as he pursued other opportunities, coinciding with broader shifts including the team's sale to new ownership under . Despite the Dodgers extending Tracy's contract, Riggleman's exit marked the end of his four-year stint without any interim managerial roles during this period.

Seattle Mariners (2008)

On June 19, 2008, the Seattle Mariners dismissed manager John McLaren following a disappointing 25-47 start to the season and promoted bench coach Jim Riggleman to interim manager for the remainder of the year. The move came amid a franchise in transition, with high expectations from the previous year's 88-win campaign dashed by injuries, underperformance, and a lack of cohesion in a roster featuring veterans like alongside emerging talents. Riggleman managed the final 90 games of the 2008 season, posting a 36-54 record that contributed to the Mariners' overall 61-101 finish and last-place standing in the AL West. He emphasized fundamental play and player development during the rebuild, working closely with , who led the with a .303 and 436 at-bats, while attempting to stabilize a pitching staff plagued by a 4.57 . Tactical shifts under Riggleman included more aggressive management to preserve starters, though the relief corps still struggled with a 4.76 over his tenure. Despite these efforts, the Mariners' dismal season led to Riggleman's non-retention after the campaign concluded, as the organization sought a fresh start under new leadership; he subsequently joined the as bench coach. This stint marked Riggleman's briefest major league managerial role, spanning just the partial 2008 season without extension.

Washington Nationals (2009–2011)

In July 2009, Jim Riggleman was promoted from bench coach to interim manager of the following the midseason dismissal of . He had been hired as bench coach earlier that year to provide veteran leadership to a young roster. On November 12, 2009, the Nationals removed the interim tag and officially named Riggleman their full-time manager for the 2010 season, citing his steady hand in stabilizing the team during a challenging period. Riggleman's tenure focused heavily on player development and integrating prospects from the Nationals' farm system into the major league lineup. Key figures included third baseman , a cornerstone of the franchise since his 2005 debut, whom Riggleman relied on for leadership and production. In 2010, Riggleman oversaw the debut of highly touted pitching prospect , who made his major league start on June 8 against the , striking out 14 batters in a no-decision. Riggleman noted Strasburg's exceptional control and readiness, stating that the rookie was "really advanced" from the outset of . This emphasis on nurturing young talent marked a shift toward building a competitive core, with the Nationals prioritizing internal growth over high-profile free-agent signings. Under Riggleman, the Nationals showed incremental progress. In the second half of 2009, he guided the team to a 33–42 record after inheriting a 26–61 start. The full season resulted in a 69–93 finish, an improvement of 10 wins from the prior year, reflecting better cohesion among emerging players. Through the first 75 games of , the Nationals went 38–37, reaching .500 for the first time since 2005. His overall record with the club was 140–172 across parts of three seasons. On June 23, 2011, immediately after a 1–0 win over the Seattle Mariners that improved the Nationals to 38–37, Riggleman abruptly resigned amid a contract dispute. He had sought assurance on his club option for or a longer-term extension, feeling the team's recent success—winning 11 of their last 12 games—warranted immediate commitment, but Mike Rizzo preferred to defer discussions until season's end. Despite the contentious departure, Riggleman's efforts in developing the young roster, including Zimmerman and Strasburg, provided a foundational base that contributed to the Nationals' first playoff appearance in and sustained contention in subsequent years.

Cincinnati Reds (2012–2018)

Following his abrupt resignation from the in July 2011, Riggleman took a brief hiatus from before rejoining the sport in 2012 as manager of the ' Double-A affiliate, the . In his inaugural season with the organization, he guided the to a 68-70 record in the Southern League, finishing fourth in the South Division while focusing on player development amid the Reds' ongoing transition from their 2012 championship. After the 2012 campaign, Riggleman was promoted to manage the Reds' Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, where he spent the next two seasons emphasizing prospect maturation during the organization's rebuild. In 2013, the Bats posted a 69-75 record in the International League, with Riggleman playing a key role in honing the skills of outfield prospect Billy Hamilton, who stole a minor-league record 155 bases that year under his guidance and improved his hitting to .256/.346/.446. The 2014 season yielded a similar 68-75 mark for Louisville, as Riggleman continued to instill discipline and fundamentals in a roster featuring emerging talents like pitcher Tony Cingrani, contributing to the Reds' long-term pipeline despite the major league club's 76-86 finish that year. In November 2014, Riggleman advanced to the major league staff as the Reds' third-base coach under manager , bringing his extensive experience to a team navigating a rebuild following three consecutive losing seasons. His tenure from 2015 to 2017 highlighted his expertise in base-running and defensive positioning, as he worked to elevate player execution in a young roster; for instance, he emphasized secondary leads and aggressive baserunning drills that helped improve the team's success rate to 75% in 2015. Riggleman transitioned to bench coach in 2016, serving as Price's trusted advisor and providing veteran leadership during a period of roster turnover, including the integration of prospects from his days. The coaching staff's efforts supported modest progress, with the Reds achieving a 68-94 record in 2017 amid ongoing reconstruction. On April 19, , after Price's dismissal following a 3-15 start, Riggleman was elevated to interim manager, where he prioritized stability and fundamentals for the remainder of the season. Over 144 games, he compiled a 64-80 record, fostering a more disciplined clubhouse and improving the team's base-running efficiency—evidenced by a 12% increase in successful steals compared to early —while mentoring a mix of veterans and prospects during the Reds' rebuild. Riggleman's steady hand helped the organization transition smoothly to new manager David Bell in September, capping a seven-year stint marked by his consistent contributions to player growth and staff cohesion.

New York Mets (2019)

On November 26, 2018, the New York Mets hired Jim Riggleman as their bench coach for the 2019 season, replacing Gary DiSarcina, who shifted to third-base coach duties. This move came shortly after Riggleman's stint as interim manager and bench coach with the Cincinnati Reds, where he had demonstrated his veteran expertise in guiding teams through transitions. Mets manager Mickey Callaway, in his second year, sought Riggleman's extensive experience—spanning over 1,600 major league games managed across five teams—to bolster in-game decision-making and staff leadership, as the coaching staff previously lacked such depth. Riggleman expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting the Mets' potential and his eagerness to contribute to their success. Throughout the 2019 season, Riggleman supported Callaway amid a challenging campaign marked by injuries to key players, including Noah Syndergaard, who dealt with hamstring and lat issues that limited him to just 25 starts and a 5-5 record. The Mets finished with an 86-76 record, securing second place in the but missing the playoffs by one game in the Wild Card race. In his bench coach position, Riggleman focused on stabilizing the clubhouse during a midseason slump and providing strategic input on management, helping navigate late-inning situations in a year when the relief corps posted a 4.20 ERA. His presence was credited with offering steady counsel to Callaway, particularly during the team's remarkable 11-game in and that briefly reignited postseason hopes. Following the season's conclusion, the Mets announced on October 3, 2019, that they would not retain Riggleman, coinciding with the firing of Callaway after two seasons. General manager cited the need for fresh leadership to accelerate the team's progress, marking the end of Riggleman's major league coaching tenure after a 46-year career in .

Billings Mustangs and later roles (2020–present)

Following his bench coach role with the in 2019, Riggleman stepped away from formal coaching positions during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, during which he occasionally provided commentary on developments amid the disruptions. In February 2022, at age 69, Riggleman returned to managing as the field manager for the of the independent Pioneer League, a short-season circuit focused on player development for recent college graduates and overlooked prospects. The Pioneer League operates without MLB affiliation, emphasizing grassroots across remote Western locales, and Riggleman viewed the role as an opportunity to mentor emerging talent in a low-pressure environment. Under Riggleman's guidance, the 2022 Mustangs compiled a 52-39 regular-season record, securing a playoff spot before winning the league's McCurdy Cup championship. His tenure prioritized player development, with Riggleman focusing on building trust and imparting strategic insights to young athletes earning modest stipends of around $500 per week plus meals, many of whom aspired to professional contracts. For instance, he worked closely with Garcia, who batted .318 that season, emphasizing fundamentals and mental preparation to help players advance toward higher levels of competition. The role presented unique challenges, including extensive bus travel—often 10-hour trips through rural , , , and —testing team cohesion in a non-traditional league far from major-league facilities. Motivated by his passion for 's tactical elements and interpersonal dynamics rather than prestige or compensation, Riggleman described the position as requiring more personal investment than his prior MLB stints, drawing parallels to his early coaching days. Riggleman did not return for the 2023 season, as the Mustangs announced a new manager in January of that year. From 2023 through 2025, he has held no formal managerial or coaching roles in , appearing to enter semi-retirement while reflecting on a career spanning over 40 years, including his contributions to player development at the level. In interviews as of 2022, he has expressed contentment with his legacy, noting the Pioneer League experience as a fitting capstone that reaffirmed his commitment to the sport's foundational aspects.

Managerial record

Jim Riggleman compiled a career MLB managerial record of 726 wins and 904 losses over 1,630 games, yielding a .445 winning percentage, across stints with the Padres, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, , and from 1992 to 2018. The following table summarizes his year-by-year regular season performance:
YearTeamWinsLossesWin %Finish
1992 Padres48.3333rd (interim)
1993 Padres61101.3777th
1994 Padres4770.4024th
1995Chicago Cubs7371.5073rd
1996Chicago Cubs7686.4694th
1997Chicago Cubs6894.4205th
1998Chicago Cubs9073.5522nd (NL Wild Card)
1999Chicago Cubs6795.4146th
2008Seattle Mariners3654.4004th
20093342.4405th
20106993.4265th
20113837.5073rd
20186480.4445th
In the postseason, Riggleman managed only once, leading the 1998 Chicago Cubs to a 0–3 sweep loss against the in the .

Personal life

Family and residences

Jim Riggleman was married to Diane Riggleman, with whom he balanced family life amid the demands of his career's frequent travel and relocations. The couple's nomadic lifestyle during his managerial stints across multiple teams often required Riggleman to prioritize family moments, such as taking time off in 1998 to attend his son's Little League tournament. The Rigglemans had one son, , born in 1983, who pursued in his youth, playing as a in the Little League Senior World Series and later being drafted by the in the 37th round of the 2002 MLB Draft, though he never advanced to professional play. By 2011, , then 27, had transitioned to a career in and resided in . Riggleman and Diane later divorced, leaving him single as of 2011 and 2013. During his active years, Riggleman's residences shifted with his professional commitments, but he maintained an offseason home in , for nearly three decades starting around 1982. He continued to base himself near , while cherishing ties to his , upbringing. In interviews, Riggleman has shared non-baseball interests rooted in nostalgia, including fond recollections of travels and attending Washington Senators games in his youth.

Post-baseball activities

In addition to his ongoing managerial role with the , Riggleman served as a senior advisor for player development with the in 2023, residing in and engaging in occasional media commentary on . In August 2024, Riggleman appeared in a video segment for the , praising the work ethic of former player during a broadcast discussion. This appearance highlighted his ongoing insights into player development and team dynamics drawn from decades in the sport. In August 2025, Riggleman participated in a episode on the Tribune, alongside former MLB manager , where he shared perspectives on managing teams and current trends in the game. These selective media engagements reflect his continued influence as a lifer.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/rigglji99.shtml
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jim_Riggleman
  3. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33253645/long-mlb-manager-jim-riggleman-69-accepts-post-independent-minor-league-club
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3492470/2022/08/26/jim-riggleman-billings-mustangs/
  5. https://www.milb.com/news/mustangs-name-jim-riggleman-club-manager-x8586
  6. https://bethesdamagazine.com/2011/05/09/touching-base-with-jim-riggleman/
  7. https://njsports.com/jim-riggleman/
  8. https://frostburgsports.com/news/2008/6/23/baseball062308.aspx
  9. https://frostburgsports.com/honors/frostburg-state-athletic-hall-of-fame/jim-riggleman/32
  10. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=riggle001jam
  11. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/93126/
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-22-sp-681-story.html
  13. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/23/Padres-fire-Riddoch-name-Riggleman-replacement/6869717220800/
  14. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SDP/1993.shtml
  15. https://www.mlb.com/padres/history/managers
  16. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19941022/1937291/baseball----bochy-named-padre-manager-after-riggleman-jumps-to-cubs
  17. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/10/21/cubs-ready-to-name-riggleman/
  18. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/13/cubs-manager-has-reputation-of-carrying-a-big-stick-but-he-can-speak-softly-too/
  19. https://www.mlb.com/news/1998-braves-cubs-nlds-recap
  20. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/08/21/49-204/
  21. https://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/article_8d06389e-b309-5d4c-af6e-12c0864788a2.html
  22. https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/1999/1004/96592.html
  23. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-09-sp-49383-story.html
  24. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/2001.shtml
  25. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/2002.shtml
  26. http://www.greatest21days.com/2019/08/jim-tracy-his-steadiness-49.html
  27. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/2004.shtml
  28. https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2002-06-22/article/12896?headline=Jim-Tracy-has-given-Dodgers-stability-direction--By-John-Nadel-The-Associated-Press-
  29. https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2012-los-angeles-dodgers/management/?season=2004
  30. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-nov-25-sp-dodgers25-story.html
  31. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2008/06/19/mariners-fire-manager-mclaren/
  32. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2008.shtml
  33. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-reveal-seven-finalists-for-manager/
  34. https://www.mlb.com/nationals/history/timeline-2000s
  35. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/06/05/stephen-strasburg-debut-oral-history/
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/sports/baseball/jim-riggleman-ex-manager-of-nationals-seeks-return-to-majors.html
  37. https://www.milb.com/pensacola/news/blue-wahoos-coaching-staff-set-for-inaugural-season/c-26722638
  38. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/stats_mlb.asp?ID=2012~12147&View=opening
  39. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/mlb/minors/louisville-bats/2014/11/10/louisville-bats-manager-jim-riggleman-promoted-cincinnati-reds-staff/18807157/
  40. https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/print-edition/2013/07/12/meet-louisville-bats-manager-jim.html
  41. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-67199778
  42. https://www.mlb.com/news/riggleman-joins-reds-staff-as-third-base-coach/c-101041560
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/366361/2018/05/24/jim-riggleman-has-the-reds-going-back-to-the-basics/
  44. https://www.mlb.com/news/jim-riggleman-making-most-of-reds-interim-job-c282880876
  45. https://www.mlb.com/news/jim-riggleman-to-interview-for-reds-manager-c296664502
  46. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/10/reds-part-ways-with-jim-riggleman.html
  47. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2018/10/28/jim-riggleman-not-return-cincinnati-reds-organization-2019-pat-kelly-david-bell/1801038002/
  48. https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-name-jim-riggleman-bench-coach-c301130658
  49. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/885909/2019/03/25/rosenthal-mets-new-bench-coach-jim-riggleman-is-not-that-guy-despite-three-turns-as-an-interim-manager/
  50. https://nypost.com/2019/10/03/mets-also-canning-bench-coach-jim-riggleman/
  51. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/mets-to-replace-jim-riggleman-as-bench-coach.html
  52. https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2020/jun/10/mlb-proposes-16-teams-advance-2020-playoffs/
  53. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-bm10448/y-2022
  54. https://www.billingsmustangs.com/sports/bsb/2022/releases/McCurdy1219
  55. https://www.montanasports.com/sports/baseball/jim-riggleman-mustangs-job-most-work-ive-put-in-for-baseball
  56. https://www.pioneerleague.com/sports/bsb/2023/releases/20230517fhrp9i
  57. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1998/08/18/riggleman-takes-time-for-son/
  58. https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/print-edition/2013/07/12/meet-louisville-bats-manager-jim.html?page=all
  59. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/jim-riggleman-says-he-knew-time-as-nationals-manager-probably-was-going-to-be-over/2011/06/23/AG5Pp9hH_story.html
  60. https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/jim-riggleman-providing-decades-of-experiences-to-marlins-organization/article_161d5b70-f6de-11ed-ae11-ff392baf0f14.html
  61. https://www.mlb.com/reds/video/jim-riggleman-praises-joey-votto
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NdJe8eYr0c
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