"Mick The Quick" was generally known as a speedy leadoff hitter who made contact and was an excellent center fielder, with a below-average throwing arm.

Originally signed by the Atlanta Braves, Rivers began his big league career in 1970 with the Angels, playing center field.

[3] Rivers placed third in the Most Valuable Player voting behind teammate Thurman Munson and George Brett[4] and was named an outfielder on The Sporting News AL All-Star team.

In The Bronx Is Burning, the ESPN miniseries based on the 1977 Yankees, he was portrayed by Leonard Robinson and depicted as experiencing financial problems.

Rivers' tenure in the Bronx produced other classic quotes, such as when he tried to explain the bizarre dynamics of the Yankees, who featured controversial owner George Steinbrenner and contentious manager Billy Martin.

[10] He was portrayed as the representation of Yankee imperialism by Garrett Morris in the "Bad Red Chinese Ballet" sketch in the November 18, 1978 installment of Saturday Night Live.

His son, Mickey Jr., played minor league baseball in the Rangers organization, and his daughter Rhonda is a teacher in the Houston area.