Oakland Next Stop On Baseball Journey For Rivera

Avain Rivera OF / Dow, MI / 2020

MIDLAND - Four years after recruitment began for Avain Rivera a commitment has been made.

The Dow High School senior is going to Oakland University, 90 minutes from his home in Midland.

“I started the recruiting process with my first PBR event when I was 13 and I kept going to events,” explained Rivera, who turned 17 in September. “Oakland had seen me at numerous PBR events and they reached out to me at the Top Prospect Games in July. They asked if I wanted to go on a visit and I went in early August.”

The visit to the campus proved well worth the time for Rivera.

“It was awesome,” the 13th-ranked 2020 player in Michigan said. “The campus was beautiful and it had a great environment. I fit right in.

“We talked a lot about baseball and how they’re building the program,” Rivera added. “They talked about their previous records and what plans they’re doing with the field in the future.”

Rivera, who was ranked in the Most Raw Power and Best Swing categories at the TPGs back in July, gave Oakland plenty to revel in.

“They love my swing,” the 5-10 190-pound Rivera noted. “They also like my strong arm in the outfield and my character.”

The third-rated senior outfielder in the state changed positions after his freshman year at Dow.

“I moved from third base,” Rivera reflected. “I believe I’m a way better outfielder than infielder. I like being able to chase down balls and my favorite thing is when I get the opportunity to throw people out at home plate. That’s amazing.”

Metrics that include a 108 exit velo, 91 position velo and a 6.94 in the 60 are just the beginning according to Rivera.