Braves third baseman Austin Riley has been as the team’s recipient of the 2024 Heart & Hustle Award. It’s the second year in a row for Riley to win the award, who succeeded Dansby Swanson in 2022, Ozzie Albies in 2021, and Nick Markakis in 2019.
Created by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association in 2005, the Heart & Hustle Award is voted on by Alumni and active Major League players and is presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.
The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, comprised of Alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each major league team is chosen by the committees based on the passion, desire, and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field. As the season draws to a close, fans, all Alumni and active players will vote to select the final winner from the 30 team winners.
Riley is having yet another strong season with the Braves despite an injury that impacted his numbers overall. He’s upped his wRC+ to 115 and has played strong defense at third, helping keep the Braves in the postseason chase despite a never ending run of injuries.
