Spring training is a time for fine-tuning mechanics, reinforcing fundamentals, and setting the tone for the grind of a long season. For the New York Mets, few embody that mission better than first base coach Antoan Richardson. A former major leaguer with the Braves and Yankees, Richardson’s career was defined by speed, intelligence, and an unrelenting work ethic—traits he now instills in the players under his guidance.
Watching Richardson work at this year's camp, his high-energy approach is impossible to miss. Whether he's leading base running drills or refining defensive footwork, he brings an infectious enthusiasm that keeps players engaged and motivated. His commitment to player development was on full display last season, particularly in his work with Brandon Nimmo, whose strides in base running reflected Richardson’s meticulous coaching. But his impact goes beyond one player—Richardson's presence is shaping the way the Mets approach the details of the game, turning speed and precision into weapons they can rely on throughout the season.
As the Mets prepare for the challenges ahead, Richardson’s role as a motivator and strategist will be crucial. I watched firsthand as he ran drills, emphasizing base running and fundamentals with relentless attention to detail.
Antoan Richardson isn’t the loudest guy on the field. He doesn’t need to be. His work speaks for itself. But spend five minutes watching him coach, and you’ll see why the Mets players rave about him. I did just that, watching him conduct drills, fine-tune base running mechanics, and inject his signature high energy into everything he does. Then, I did what any self-respecting sportswriter would do—I tracked down the guys who work with him every day and asked them just how much he means to this team.
Mark Vientos didn’t hesitate. “Antoan is a big part of our success on the base paths. I think he brings the energy every day, and that's who he is as a person. And we all love him for it.” In baseball, where everyone is trying to look cool and unbothered, it’s rare to hear a guy use the word “love” in a quote about a coach. But with Antoan it just fits.
Francisco Lindor, a man who knows a thing or two about preparation, was quick to point out Antoan’s relentless work ethic. “He's prepared every single day. He comes in ready, he has a plan, and he passes it along to us, and he wants us to execute it. He's always got a great energy, great vibes, and it means a lot to this team.” Translation: Antoan isn’t just here for show—he’s got receipts, and he’s making this team better.
Jesse Winker, never one to mince words, summed up Antoan’s impact with the kind of directness you’d expect from a guy who steps into a batter’s box against 100 mph fastballs for a living. “Yeah, it means a lot, man. I mean, obviously, he's a great human being, and he brings it every day. He's one of the hardest-working coaches I've ever been around. And he's here to help us get better, and I’m very appreciative of him.” I asked him if there was one big takeaway he’s learned from Antoan so far. Winker smirked. “Well, I don’t want to give away everything, but a lot of stuff on the bases and in the outfield for sure.” Classic baseball guy move—just enough info to let you know it's important, but not enough to let the other teams in on the secret.
And then there’s Brandon Nimmo. The man who managed to steal 15 bases last season . He credits Antoan for that. “He brings a whole other level to our game. He brings us all up a notch and is very, very prepared in everything that he does, whether it's outfield, whether it's base running. I would not have been able to steal the 15 bags that I had last year without him.” If that’s not the ultimate endorsement, I don’t know what is.
But Nimmo didn’t stop there. “He is someone that resonates with me because he's such a hard worker and very diligent in everything he does. Very methodical, has a purpose to everything. I really appreciate that in a coach, especially on the base running and outfield side.” Then, because he’s Brandon Nimmo, he took it a step further: “He loves bringing fun and competition to it. He brings high energy into everything he does. So if he has the opportunity to lift the guys up, he will try and do so. He loves bringing the energy, and he radiates it, too. It just comes off of him. It's hard to be in a bad mood around Antoan. Such a light to have in our clubhouse. Along with everything he brings work-wise, his personality is even better.”
Baseball can be a grind. It’s six months of daily games, countless hours in the cage, and more charter flights than a presidential campaign. A guy like Antoan who keeps it loose while making you better, is worth his weight in sunflower seeds.
So what’s the biggest thing Nimmo has learned from Antoan? “Biggest thing I've learned from him is just attention to detail in the base running side of things. He has really helped me to try and evolve as a base runner and base stealer.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, the man in charge of making sure all these moving parts come together, has noticed Antoan’s impact as well. When I asked him about it, he laid it out as clearly as a manager can. “Yeah, and that's what you're trying to do early in camp. You set the tone and talk about the importance of details, even how you're going to step on the base or how you're going to take your primary leads or secondary leads or how you're going to study a pitcher if you're a base stealer—the angles, how you're going to cut a base.” In other words, nothing is left to chance.
Mendoza continued, “So there's a lot that goes into his preparation, and it shows on the field with the work that he's doing. And just getting the buy-in from the players I think is the most important thing, and he gets that because he builds the relationships with them and they trust him. So yeah, it's fun to see that.”
While the Mets media guide may list Antoan Richardson simply as the team’s first base coach, he is that and so much more. His work in spring training and throughout the season is a big reason the Mets are who they are—a team that takes the details seriously, competes on every play, and brings energy to every game. Whether it’s refining base-running techniques, sharpening outfield skills, or simply making sure the clubhouse stays loose, Antoan’s impact is undeniable. Antoan Richardson isn’t just a coach. He’s an energy source, a strategist, a teacher, and, if you ask the guys in the Mets clubhouse, a guy you can’t help but love. So, if you find yourself at spring training in Port St. Lucie or catching batting practice at Citi Field, keep an eye out for No. 66. You’ll see him in his element—coaching, teaching, and making the Mets better, one detail at a time.
He was a tremendous influence on those great MET pitchers