Past reflections from Mackey Sasser, ex-Mets catcher, on his history, focusing on T.J. Rivera.
Former Mets Infielder Mackey Sasser: A Life Beyond Baseball Yips
Mackey Sasser, once a prominent figure in Major League Baseball, is now more recognised as the college coach of T.J. Rivera, a current major league player, than for his infamous throwing yips.
Sasser, who retired as a .267 career hitter, had a career-best season in 1990, a year when his throwing problems began, making him a target for base stealers and fans alike. The root of his throwing issues, however, was not physical but psychological, a result of childhood trauma that surfaced in therapy post-retirement.
Sasser, who claims he never had arm problems, found it uncomfortable to think about tossing back to the mound during games. This discomfort was triggered by a 1990 plate collision with Jim Presley, which injured his ankles and affected his rock back mobility.
Despite his struggles on the field, Sasser's strength lay in his hitting and his ability to play multiple positions. Off the field, he has found success as a coach, serving as head coach at Wallace Community College for 19 years.
T.J. Rivera, a player under Sasser for two years, recently reached the majors and has been making waves. He entered Tuesday with a .355 batting average in the majors this season and even had a four-hit game on Aug. 16 against the Diamondbacks.
Sasser, a father of seven, is not just a coach but also a mentor to his players. He enjoys teaching them to overcome adversity, a skill he has mastered himself. When not coaching, he can be found hunting and fishing.
Despite the yips that marred his baseball career, Sasser often thinks about what could have been, but he has found solace and purpose in his life after baseball. Today, he is remembered not just for his throwing problems, but for the impact he has made as a coach and a mentor.
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