History of Riley Greene in Timeline

Riley Greene is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in MLB. Drafted fifth overall in 2019, he debuted in the major leagues in 2022. Greene earned All-Star selections in both 2024 and 2025, solidifying his position as a key player for the Tigers.

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Full Timeline

1978: Comparison to Lou Whitaker

In 2022, Riley Greene became the first Tigers player since Lou Whitaker in 1978 to hit a walk-off home run for his first career MLB home run.

1992: Comparison to Travis Fryman

On June 13, 2025, Riley Greene became the first player in Tigers franchise history to drive in 200 runs before turning age 25 since Travis Fryman in 1992.

September 28, 2000: Riley Greene's Birth

On September 28, 2000, Riley Alan Greene was born. He would later become a professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2018: Played for Team USA

In 2018, Riley Greene played for Team USA in the U-18 Pan-American Championships.

June 24, 2019: Professional Debut

On June 24, 2019, Riley Greene made his professional debut for the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Tigers.

2019: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2019, Riley Greene was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the fifth overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft. On June 5, he signed a contract with the Tigers, receiving a $6.18 million signing bonus.

2019: High School Senior Year

In 2019, during his senior year at Paul J. Hagerty High School, Riley Greene hit .422 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs. He also committed to play college baseball at the University of Florida.

2020: Minor League Season Cancellation

In 2020, Riley Greene did not play in a game due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2021, Riley Greene began the season with the Erie SeaWolves and was selected to represent the Tigers in the All-Star Futures Game. In August, he was promoted to the Toledo Mud Hens.

June 18, 2022: MLB Debut

On June 18, 2022, the Detroit Tigers purchased Riley Greene's contract, adding him to the active roster, and he made his Major League debut that afternoon. He hit a single in his first at-bat.

July 2, 2022: First MLB Home Run

On July 2, 2022, Riley Greene hit a walk-off home run off of Joel Payamps of the Kansas City Royals for his first career MLB home run.

2022: Ranked as 4th Best Prospect

In 2022, Riley Greene was named the 4th best prospect in baseball in Baseball America's annual Top 100 list.

September 2, 2023: Injured List Placement

On September 2, 2023, Riley Greene was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation.

July 7, 2024: All-Star Game Selection

On July 7, 2024, Riley Greene was selected to represent the Tigers in the 2024 All-Star Game. At the time of his selection, he was hitting .258 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI.

2024: Home Run Milestone

By the All-Star break in 2025, Riley Greene had hit 24 home runs, equaling his 2024 season total.

2024: Expected Return from Surgery

In September 2023, it was announced that Riley Greene would undergo Tommy John surgery to repair his non-throwing elbow, and would likely be ready by the start of the 2024 season.