Part 4/10:
As Rivera progressed through college baseball, he caught the eye of scouts but still faced uncertainty in securing a professional opportunity. His journey took a pivotal turn thanks to the unwavering advocacy of Sasser, who recognized Rivera's worth ethic and potential even when he had not garnered sufficient attention from the Mets.
In a moment that changed Rivera's life, Sasser reached out to Tommy, the Mets' scout, to passionately recommend Rivera. Despite previous observations, the Mets had yet to take a chance on the young player. After Sasser's endorsement and following Rivera's impressive collegiate performance, the team ultimately signed him—a decision that proved fruitful as Rivera went on to create a meaningful impact for the franchise.