CHICAGO -- Austin Riley has always loved watching hunting shows that feature military members being guided on a hunt. So, when the Braves third baseman gained an opportunity to do something himself for service members in his role as a professional athlete, he decided to show his appreciation for United States veterans. “I loved getting to hear their stories and I was like, ‘Man, if I ever get put in the position to be able to do something like that, I'd love to,’” Riley said. “Obviously, baseball has allowed me to do that.” • VOTE NOW: 2026 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One Riley has loved the many stories he has heard from veterans he has encountered via his charitable initiatives, and his philanthropic efforts have long been appreciated by those involved. That commitment to others was rewarded this week when the third baseman was named the Braves’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. |
Each of MLB’s 30 teams has a nominee. Fans can vote here for this year’s winner through Sept. 27. “It’s cool to just be able to make an impact off the field,” Riley said. “I’ve met so many good veterans who mean a lot to me, my family and a lot of people around the world. To be able to show my appreciation is something my wife [Anna] and I take pride in. It’s a cool recognition.” Riley’s signature community initiative in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation is Operation Home Team, which honors and recognizes military veterans during Wednesday home games throughout the season. Participants receive game tickets, complimentary parking, batting practice field passes and the chance to meet Riley. |
Riley and his wife, Anna, hosted and provided a Military Appreciation lunch at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in June. Active duty service members and airmen received barbeque and the chance to spend time with the two-time All-Star third baseman. The annual Austin Riley Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $500,000 for The Warrior Alliance, a Georgia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families through a comprehensive network of veteran support organizations. Riley’s experience this year was enriched by the chance to meet a World War II veteran. “There was a guy there who was over 100 years old,” Riley said. “He saved a bunch of people during the Holocaust. Talking to him was surreal. That gave me some chill bumps for sure.” |
The Rileys also hosted spouses of deployed military members in a suite at Truist Park to help celebrate both Mother’s Day and Military Appreciation Month in May. Beyond military initiatives, Riley has hosted Make-A-Wish experiences and participated in holiday giving initiatives. “My wife Anna is super involved,” Riley said. “She’s got a ton on her plate with our own kids. But she’s there to support. My whole family usually comes to the golf tournament. Seeing that support from the family is awesome. I’m just happy we’ve had a chance to meet so many wonderful people.” |
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Ronald Acuña Jr. needs two more home runs to secure a 20-20 season. Who holds the record for the most 20-20 seasons registered with the Braves? A. Hank Aaron B. Ron Gant C. Andruw Jones D. Ronald Acuña Jr. |
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Before Reynaldo López revealed he's been dealing with right shoulder discomfort after Monday’s rough start at Wrigley Field, it was hard to see why he would have been asked to throw another meaningful inning this year. His first four months of the 2024 season were incredibly great, but he just simply hasn’t been healthy since then. Unfortunately, his shoulder issues could continue to limit him next season, when he completes the final year of his three-year contract. While López’s season might be complete, Bryce Elder could still be a part of the postseason plans. Elder underwent a 32-minute procedure to remove bone fragments from his right knee on Sept. 8. Four days later, he was walking through the Braves’ clubhouse without any noticeable limp. There’s still hope that he’ll be ready to pitch again around the start of the playoffs. He might not factor into the Wild Card Series, but the NL Division Series could be a possibility. You can never have enough pitching. But sometimes, you have just enough. Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes and Martín Pérez currently stand as the Braves’ projected postseason starters. Elder could join this mix at some point, but there will never be a need for more than four potential starters in a specific series. Just three starters will be needed for the Wild Card Series, which is a best-of-three series played over three consecutive days. |
The first 15,000 fans in attendance for the Sept. 22 game against the Reds will receive an Austin Riley short-sleeve hoodie. Size options include an adult large and adult extra large, available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
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A. Hank Aaron
Aaron had six such seasons. Acuña is looking to join Gant and Jones as the only other Braves to tally three 20-20 seasons. |
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