Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is once again in the spotlight. This time serves as the team’s nominee for the prestigious Heart and Hustle Award. Riley has earned this recognition for the second consecutive year, with his first nomination coming in 2023. While 2024 may not have been his flashiest season, his contributions both on and off the field underscore why he’s a standout candidate.
Riley’s numbers for 2024 are not impressive on paper. Across 110 games, he posted a .256 batting average with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs. The raw stats don’t capture his mid-season resurgence, however. After June 13, Riley’s bat produced 16 home runs and 36 RBIs in just 57 games. To put that into perspective, he was on a pace equivalent to 45 home runs and 102 RBIs over an entire season—MVP-level production.
Riley’s season was cut short due to a right-hand fracture suffered in mid-August, unfortunately. Despite his determination to return, the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, leaving the Braves without his bat in the critical stretch.
The Heart and Hustle Award isn’t just about on-field performance. It also recognizes passion, values, and contributions to the community. Riley’s charitable efforts have made a significant impact. These efforts include his annual charity golf tournament, and will definitely help his case for the award. This combination of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to giving back embodies the spirit of the Heart and Hustle Award.
Presented by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, the award honors the player who best exemplifies baseball’s passion, spirit, and traditions. Voting involves both current and former MLB players, with fan votes accounting for a small but meaningful five percent of the final tally. The honor is unique in that it’s awarded to a single player across the league, making the competition fierce.
If Austin Riley wins, he will become only the second Braves player ever to receive the honor. He would be joining Ozzie Albies, who won in 2021. His consistent effort, late-season surge, and off-field impact make him a compelling candidate for this year’s award.
The Heart and Hustle Award will be announced on Friday, Nov. 22, during a broadcast on MLB Network. Fans and players alike will be watching to see if Riley’s hard work earns him this well-deserved recognition.
