Boston, MA — At 24, Riley Greene — the brightest star of the Detroit Tigers — has done something few expected: making TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Sports by 2025” list. A turning point not only for Greene personally, but also for the Tigers’ revival journey. “I don’t need fame. I just want to make Detroit fans proud every time they wear the No. 31,” Greene said emotionally…
In a list filled with giant names like Shohei Ohtani, Patrick Mahomes or Serena Williams, the appearance of a young Tigers player is considered a “little shock” in the MLB world. Greene, who was once doubted to be a star player as Detroit rebuilt, has overcome all doubters with his performance and tireless dedication.
TIME describes Greene as “the face of a new generation of MLB players—one in which talent, loyalty, and passion for the city merge into a cultural icon.”
This recognition doesn’t come by accident. In the 2025 season, Greene has outstanding offensive numbers: a .287 batting average (AVG), 26 home runs, and 82 RBI. But what makes him special isn’t just the numbers—it’s the way he leads with attitude, with the fire in his eyes every time he steps onto the field at Comerica Park.
Coach A.J. Hinch shared in the interview:
“Greene is not just a good player, he is the soul of this locker room. There are days in Detroit when everyone wants to go home early, but Greene stays behind to practice one last swing.”
While many young people in the sports world are caught up in the whirlwind of fame and money, Greene stands out for his humility. He spends much of his time off the field supporting charitable programs in Michigan, regularly appearing at high schools to encourage students to play baseball. “If just one kid sees me and believes he can do it, then all my efforts are worth it,” he said.
Experts say Greene’s TIME honor is also an acknowledgement of the strong comeback of the Detroit Tigers, a team that has been in deep crisis for the past few years. Led by talent like Tarik Skubal and Greene himself, the Tigers now have reason to dream about October—about the postseason.
“The whole team has been energized since the news broke,” a team insider said. “Greene represents not just himself, but the pride of Detroit.”
From his days as a skinny kid wielding a wooden bat in his Florida backyard to his moment honored by TIME, Riley Greene has remained the same: pure love for the game.
“I never want to forget who I am,” he said in an exclusive interview. “I am Riley of the Tigers. And I want Detroit to know—I’m here to stay.”
A title, a symbol, and perhaps—the beginning of a new legend in the Motor City.
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