J. D. Arteaga Explained

J. D. Arteaga
Current Title:Head coach
Current Team:Miami (FL)
Current Conference:ACC
Birth Date:2 August 1974
Birth Place:Miami, Florida, U.S.
Player Years1:1994–1997
Player Team1:Miami (FL)
Player Positions:Pitcher
Coach Years1:2003–2023
Coach Team1:Miami (FL) (associate)
Coach Years2:2024–present
Coach Team2:Miami (FL)

Juan Diego Arteaga Jr. (born August 2, 1974) is an American college baseball coach and currently the head coach for the Miami Hurricanes baseball team. Arteaga previously played collegiately and was an associate coach for Miami before becoming head coach.

Baseball career

College career

After graduating from Westminster Christian School,[1] Arteaga chose to play baseball at the University of Miami. While at Miami, Arteaga became the program leader in wins with 43, and games started with 72.[2] Miami reached the College World Series all four years Arteaga played there. After his professional career ended, Arteaga received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Miami.

Professional career

Arteaga was drafted by the New York Mets in the 26th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. Arteaga played for both Mets[3] and Houston Astros minor league organizations but never made a start in the major league.[4]

Coaching career

In 2003, after signing with a minor league team for the Texas Rangers, Arteaga received an offer as an associate coach for the Miami Hurricanes baseball team, which he accepted.[5] In 2016, rumors circulated that Arteaga might take the head coaching job at FIU for baseball, but Arteaga stayed with Miami.[6] [7] While associate coach at Miami, Arteaga specialized as a pitching coach, coaching pitchers including Andrew Walters, Carson Palmquist, Chris McMahon, Slade Cecconi, Bryan Garcia, Andrew Suárez, Carlos Gutiérrez, and Cesar Carrillo.[8] In 2023, after the resignation of head coach Gino DiMare, it was announced that Arteaga would become the next head coach for Miami.[9] [10] [11] In his first game as head coach, Miami rallied in the ninth inning and hit a walk-off hit for his first win as head coach.[12] [13]

Personal life

Arteaga is married to his wife, Ysha, and has a daughter, Ariana. In 2018, Arteaga's son Ari was killed in a car crash at the age of 16.[14] [15] In his honor, Arteaga and his family created the "Be the Light" foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships and resources to those in need.[16] [17]

Arteaga is close friends with Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez and Arteaga were teammates at Westminster Christian School, with Arteaga saying to Sports Illustrated regarding Rodriguez's talent, "We knew he'd be a good player, but no one saw him being what he is."[18] The two diverged when Arteaga was in college with Rodriguez's ascent to the major leagues, but they still keep in touch.[19] Along with Rodriguez, Arteaga is also close friends with Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora. Arteaga and Cora bonded at Miami, where they played baseball together.[20] Upon learning of the death of Ari, Cora invited the Arteaga family to Boston so they could get away from Miami and be together. Ysha said regarding Cora's invitation, "Cora called at a good time."[21]

On February 5, 2003, Miami retired Arteaga's uniform No. 33 for baseball;[22] he was inducted into the Miami Hurricanes Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.[23]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: April 13, 1992. Five County Teams Will Compete in Upper Deck Classic. June 12, 2024. Los Angeles Times.
  2. Web site: Lichtenstein. Adam. January 26, 2024. 'I'm blessed': After decades as a Miami player, assistant coach, J.D. Arteaga leads Hurricanes into new season. June 12, 2024. Sun Sentinel.
  3. Web site: May 13, 2000. Binghamton 9, Harrisburg 5. June 12, 2024. ESPN.
  4. Web site: Lichtenstein. Adam. February 14, 2024. Miami hoping to "shock" college baseball world in J. D. Arteaga's first season as coach. June 12, 2024. Sun Sentinel.
  5. Web site: Miller Degnan. Susan. July 18, 2023. Miami's J.D. Arteaga making changes to the program he has loved his entire life. June 12, 2024. Miami Herald.
  6. Web site: Porter. Matt. June 27, 2016. Baseball: J.D. Arteaga to remain with Miami Hurricanes. June 12, 2024. Palm Beach Post.
  7. Web site: Rankin. Duane. June 27, 2016. Melendez leaving Alabama State for FIU. June 12, 2024. Montgomery Advertiser.
  8. Web site: Warren. Peter. July 25, 2023. J.D. Arteaga says it is 'truly an honor' to become Miami's next baseball coach. June 12, 2024. On3.
  9. Web site: Lang. David. June 26, 2023. J.D. Arteaga to be named next Miami Hurricanes baseball coach. June 12, 2024. Local10.
  10. Willerup. Liam. January 26, 2024. A New Era Of Miami Hurricanes Baseball Is Among Us With J.D. Arteaga Leading The Way. June 12, 2024. Sports Illustrated.
  11. Web site: Shodell. Matt. June 26, 2023. J.D. Arteaga hired as Miami Hurricanes new baseball coach: "This is truly a dream come true". June 12, 2024. On3.
  12. Web site: Sims. Luke. February 18, 2024. Miami Hurricanes begin Arteaga era with a walk-off win against NJIT. June 12, 2024. Miami Herald.
  13. Willerup. Liam. February 16, 2024. Miami Completes The Comeback In Walk-Off Fashion In J.D. Arteaga's Debut 8–7. June 12, 2024. Sports Illustrated.
  14. Web site: Neal. David. McPherson. Jordan. Miller Degnan. Susan. July 30, 2018. 16-year-old son of UM coach and Hall of Famer dies when his Jeep smashes into a pole. June 12, 2024. Boston Herald.
  15. Web site: Miller Degnan. Susan. February 13, 2024. J.D. Arteaga's world crumbled twice. He'll take Miami's Mark Light Field with joy Friday. June 12, 2024. Miami Herald.
  16. Web site: November 6, 2019. 'Be The Light': Family Makes It Their Mission To Keep Teen's Memory Alive By Helping Others. June 12, 2024. CBS News.
  17. Web site: February 15, 2024. Two community events celebrate the life and legacy of Hurricane Baseball Head Coach JD Arteaga's late son. June 12, 2024. Miami's Community News.
  18. Lemire. Joe. July 23, 2010. Best friend and former coach recall A-Rod's high school days. June 12, 2024. Sports Illustrated.
  19. Web site: Crouse. Karen. February 18, 2009. As Rodriguez Went Pro, His Teammate Went to College. June 12, 2024. New York Times.
  20. Web site: July 29, 2018. Alex Cora grieving death of Miami coach's son in car crash. June 12, 2024. ESPN.
  21. Web site: Buckley. Steve. October 23, 2018. The bond between Alex Cora and J.D. Arteaga, unbreakable — even through heartbreak. June 12, 2024. The Athletic.
  22. Web site: February 5, 2003. Canes Retire Arteaga's Jersey. June 12, 2024. Miami Hurricanes.
  23. Web site: J. D. Arteaga. June 12, 2024. UM Sports Hall of Fame.

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