CJ Riefenhauser enters his second season as an assistant coach on the Mercy College baseball staff. A local, CJ graduated from Mahopac High School in 2008. During his time at Mahopac CJ stared both on the baseball and football fields, being named to the All-Section team. His prowess on the mound earned him pitcher of the year in league 1C in the 2007 and 2008 seasons propelling him to future collegiate success.
CJ pitched at the collegiate level at Chipola College. During his time there CJ's success attracted the attention of Major league scout and in the 20th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft the Tampa Bay Rays selected CJ Riefenhauser.
In his first full professional season CJ played for the the single A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays where he was named both a mid season and postseason all star. His first season was capped by being named the number one left handed pitching prospect in all of the Midwest League.
CJ's remarkable first season was followed by an equally impressive second season. While pitching for the A+ Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays CJ was named to the Florida State league All-Star team, and was asked to participate in the prestigious Arizona Fall League.
In the Arizona Fall League CJ pitched himself to the Rising Stars All Star game, all but paving the way to the continual rise of his professional baseball Career.
In the following season, CJ's third professional season he was named to the Futures game at Citi Field. A game which is reserved for the highest ranked prospects in each minor league system. Adding to his accomplishments that year CJ was named to Baseball America's first team All Star team in the entirety of minor league baseball, he was the only reliever to receive the honor that year.
In 2014 CJ made his Major league debut against the New York Yankees, throwing a perfect inning in relief. He then split time between AAA and the Major league level. In 2015 CJ earned his first Major league win against the Chicago White Sox.
After the 2015 season CJ spent time with the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs. Pitching the 2016 season with the Iowa Cubs the AAA affiliate of Chicago Cubs.
In 2017 CJ began the year in Major League Spring training with the Houston Astros, and now continues his playing career with the Rockland Boulders of the Canadian American Professional Baseball Association. CJ is looking forward to sharing his experience and expertise to developing pitchers in the Mercy program in hopes that they too can achieve their dreams of playing professional baseball.
"CJ is coming off a seven-year pro baseball career and I look forward to working with him and helping him build an elite pitching staff. CJ's vast experience as a college standout and professional player is going to be a huge assist for our program," Schoen said.
"I am excited to work with Coach Schoen and his staff this year and becoming part of the Mercy baseball family," stated Riefenhauser.
