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

Baseball career

College career

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

Professional career

Arteaga was drafted by the New York Mets in the 26th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. Arteaga played for the Mets and Houston Astros minor league organizations but never had a start in the major leagues.

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. In 2016, rumors circulated that he might take the head coaching job at FIU for baseball, but he stayed with Miami. 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. In 2023, after the resignation of head coach Gino DiMare, it was announced that Arteaga would become the next head coach for Miami. 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.

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. 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.

Arteaga is a very good friend of Alex Rodriguez; Rodriguez and Arteaga were teammates at Westminster Christian School. Arteaga told Sports Illustrated, "We knew he'd be a good player, but no one saw him (Rodriguez) being what he is." The two did not see each other that often when Arteaga was in college with Rodriguez's ascent to the major leagues, but they still keep in touch. 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. After learning of Ari's death, Cora invited the Arteaga family to Boston so Arteaga's family could get away from Miami and be together. Regarding Cora's invitation, Ysha said that Cora "called at a good time."

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

Head coaching record

References

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

• Living people
• Miami Hurricanes baseball coaches
• Miami Hurricanes baseball players
• 1974 births
• Baseball players from Miami