ATLANTA (Monday, September 14, 2026) – Today, the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball announced Austin Riley as the Atlanta Braves’ nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One. The annual award recognizes the Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions on and off the field.
FILE – Atlanta Braves’ Austin Riley (27) hits an RBI double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Riley was selected as the Braves’ nominee for his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the military community. He has selected The Warrior Alliance as his charity of choice, and they will receive a $7,500 donation from MLB Charities on his behalf in honor of his nomination.
Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One at http://mlbtogether.com/clementeaward. Voting is available online until the end of the regular season on Sunday, September 27th.
Austin Riley Roberto Clemente Award Nominee Submission
Austin Riley exemplifies the spirit of the Roberto Clemente Award through his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the military community. While Braves fans admire him for his accomplishments on the field, those who know him best recognize the impact he makes away from the game. Through philanthropy, personal engagement, and a sincere dedication to serving his community, Riley uses his platform for good, supports those in need, and leaves a lasting positive influence wherever he goes.
At the center of Austin’s community efforts is his steadfast support of military service members and veterans. Inspired by a lifelong respect for those who have served our country, Riley has made veteran support the focus of his charitable work. Riley has taken a direct and personal approach through Operation Home Team, his signature community initiative in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation and veteran-serving partner organizations. Through the program, military veterans are honored and recognized during Wednesday home games throughout the season, providing them with memorable ballpark experiences and recognition for their service. Participating veterans receive tickets to the game, complimentary parking, passes to watch batting practice on the field, meet and greet opportunities with Riley, and gift bags with Braves swag and gear.
Riley’s commitment to the military community extends beyond the ballpark. In June, he and his wife, Anna, hosted and provided a Military Appreciation Lunch at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. In addition to a hearty BBQ spread, the Rileys distributed Braves gifts and spent time with hundreds of active-duty service members and airmen, expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Through the annual Austin Riley Charity Golf Tournament, he has raised significant funding and awareness 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.
Further demonstrating their dedication to the military community, Austin and Anna Riley hosted spouses of deployed service members in a suite at Truist Park, providing an evening of recognition, fellowship, and encouragement. This event was in celebration of Mother’s Day and in honor of military appreciation month.
Austin’s leadership is equally evident throughout Braves Country. He consistently partners with the Atlanta Braves Foundation to create memorable experiences for children and families. Whether participating in holiday giving initiatives, hosting Make-A-Wish experiences, or supporting community outreach efforts, Riley approaches every interaction with authenticity and compassion.
This past holiday season, Riley hosted a gift giveaway for all 500+ students at Winchester Elementary School, a Title I school near his hometown in Memphis, TN. Through this initiative, he brought joy to children and families, ensuring students feel celebrated and supported during the holidays.
In addition to his hands-on community involvement, Riley has made a significant investment in charitable giving through a commitment to donate one percent of his annual salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation, providing critical resources that help strengthen programs benefiting children, families, veterans, and under-resourced communities across the region.
As a player, Austin Riley has achieved tremendous success, earning All-Star selections, Silver Slugger recognition, and helping lead the Braves to a World Series championship. Yet his greatest contribution may be the example he sets as a leader and community champion. He approaches service with humility, generosity, and an authentic desire to help others in need.
Whether welcoming veterans to the ballpark, spending time with service members on a military base, creating special experiences for military families, supporting children in his hometown, or investing his own resources in charitable causes, Austin Riley consistently looks for ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His commitment to service reflects the values of the Roberto Clemente Award and makes him a deserving nominee for this honor.
About the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One
The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.
The leaguewide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2026 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports, Netflix and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr.
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