Much like Kramer in Seinfeld, Riley Tirotta knows how to make an entrance. The Bisons’ clubhouse has served as Jerry’s apartment, and Kramer’s power slide entrance has been replaced with Riley’s power swing at the plate.

He may not have the hair or wacky sense of fashion, but the guy more then makes up for it with his bat. Tirotta was called up to the AAA Buffalo Bisons from New Hampshire May 22 and has been on a heater since the day he arrived. The 25 year old is another Blue Jay prospect that can be classified in the late bloomer category. Jays fans are becoming accustomed to this type of prospect as three of them are currently contributing to the big league roster in Spencer Horwitz, Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider.

Tirotta was drafted in the 12th round in the 2021 draft, 362 overall. Something has clicked since his promotion in late May, as he boasts quite a stat line for the Bisons. He’s sporting an impressive slash line of .338/.453/.704 to go along with 7 dingers, 18 RBI’s, an OPS of 1.143 and a truly impressive approach at the plate. In true Toronto Blue Jays fashion he is a very defensively versatile player, playing 1B, 2B, 3B & outfield through out his pro ball career.  He was manning first base tonight for Buffalo and handles the position as well as anyone in the organization.

His numbers throughout his career are not near as eye-popping as they have been this season, and time will tell if he’s found another gear or if this is just the longest, hottest streak of his pro ball career. However, after talking with the folks in the Bisons press box, everyone seems to feel like he’s just clicked.  His confidence is palpable, and every time he comes to the plate the opposing pitchers are cautious and aware of the obvious power threat.

It’s Irish night this evening at Sahlen Field, and to add an even more Irish feel to the evening, the clouds have rolled in covering the sky as the wind blows. Tirotta took a few minutes to chat with me after batting practice and he is well aware of how hot his bat is. “You just try and stay in that zone and not think too much about it” he laughed and added “When things are going right, you just stop trying to do too much or try too hard.  So during that time you just try to ride that wave as long as you can.”

Ride that wave Riley. Baseball is unlike any other sport, where consistency is literally impossible. You really are just trying to ride the hot streaks for as long as you can and limit the cold streaks. Tirotta knows the game well and is enjoying the heater he’s currently on.

With the Blue Jays floundering and so many of their Bisons prospects getting a big league opportunity, it’s tough to imagine Tirotta won’t be next up on the list.