Riley's dedication to service members earns Roberto Clemente Award nomination

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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.”

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.”