Austin Riley’s longtime baseball coach and former hitting coach for the Atlanta Braves, Mike Brumley, tragically died in a traffic accident. Following the early Saturday morning accident, the baseball community, his friends, and family are saddened. Brumley, a highly regarded individual in the baseball community, significantly impacted Riley’s career. Riley’s raw power was transformed into the reliable performance that carried him to the major leagues, largely thanks to his contribution. Riley’s inclusion on the All-MLB first team during the previous season was largely made possible by Brumley’s coaching.
Riley said that Brumley and his father were the two most important people in his baseball career. Riley, who had recently worked with Brumley in Baltimore, was devastated to learn of his passing. Riley revealed that he had not slept since learning the devastating news at 2:30 a.m. on the day of the tragedy, and he was clearly upset. Riley was close to his coach even after Brumley left the Braves organization because he refused to acquire the required vaccination, as required by MLB.
They kept in touch via phone calls, texting, and video chats, especially when Riley needed help with his swing. The absence of Brumley will be felt both inside and outside the Braves organization. Riley was among the numerous players profoundly impacted by Brumley’s tenure as the Braves minor league hitting coordinator and attributed a great deal of Riley’s success to him. Riley’s 2021 season was a credit to Brumley’s steadfast backing and outstanding coaching, as seen by his inclusion on the All-MLB first team.
Tributes from players, coaches, and fans alike have come in as the baseball world struggles with this unexpected loss. All recognize the important contributions Brumley made to the game and the lives he impacted. Although the details of the funeral and memorial services have not yet been revealed, it is obvious that Mike Brumley will always be remembered by the athletes he taught and his enduring influence on baseball.
