Riggans was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to John and Patricia Riggans. He played for St. Thomas Aquinas High School as a reserve player, in part to his small size, and upon entering college at Florida International University he was initially rejected from the team. After performing well during a subsequent opportunity he earned a spot on the roster. Receiving more experience following a transfer to Indian River Community College Riggans was noticed and drafted in the 24th round (706th overall) of the 2000 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.\n', '

Riggans\' mother died while in need of a liver transplant in 2001. He would subsequently say a prayer to his mother during the national anthem prior to the start of each game.\n', '

In his first season in the Rays\' organization, Riggans hit .345 with 8 home runs in 15 games for the Princeton, Virginia Devil Rays (Tampa Bay\'s then-rookie ball affiliate). He preceded to earn the Rays\' minor league defensive catcher of the year award four times. He would spend a total of six seasons in the Rays\' minor league system before being called up as part of the September roster expansion in 2006.\n', '

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