NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2021

Jersey retirement for former DeSoto Central standout, Austin Riley

SOUTHAVEN, MISS—DeSoto Central High School will retire Austin Riley’s baseball jersey on February 6th at 12:00 P.M. Riley played third base, shortstop and pitcher for DeSoto Central from 2012-2015 and was Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year in 2014.

During his time at DCHS, Riley had 514 plate appearances, a .408 batting average, .505 on base percentage, 139 RBI, 28 Home runs, 171 hits and 93 runs scored. He pitched 204 innings, accumulating 26 wins and only 6 losses. He had a 1.54 ERA and 245 strike outs. He currently holds the career records (for DC) for most RBIs, most hits, most home runs, most wins (as a pitcher) and most strikeouts.

“This is an opportunity to recognize one of the most decorated players in our program’s history,” DeSoto Central head baseball coach Mark Monaghan said. “Austin’s career at DC left an impact on the program, his teammates, and the state. His work ethic was always second to none, which led him to great success with the Braves and has helped him become an everyday starter at the major league level. We are excited for this occasion, and we’re proud of Austin and all of his accomplishments.”

Riley was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round (41st overall selection) of the MLB draft in 2015. He made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2019. Riley hit a home run in his second at bat. By his fourteenth game as a Braves starter, Riley hit seven home runs, which was the second most to begin a career. In May 2019, Riley earned the NL Rookie of the Month Award, despite playing in only 15 games. In 2020, Riley played in 131 games, including 12 playoff games, and he busted onto the national scene with his Game 1 home run in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Riley’s #13 jersey will be retired February 6th at 12:00 P.M. at the DeSoto Central baseball field. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the Shan Whiteside Memorial Gymnasium. The event is being sponsored by Community Pharmacy and Mac & Charlie’s Soda Shoppe of Senatobia. The event is open to the public. No pictures or autographs will be given. Spectators are expected to abide by COVID-19 regulations and will be required to wear a mask and socially distance.

Contact: Jake Long

Athletic Director

(662) 536-3612 ext. 125

jake.long@dcsms.org

DeSoto Central High School

2911 Central Parkway

Southaven, MS 38672

dch.desotocountyschools.org