It’s a sunny day and a cool breeze blows sand across the field as senior Riley Delgado steps up to bat. Delgado’s coach, teammates, and the Palmetto crowd have full confidence that his next moves will be valuable.

The Delgado family has made its mark at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, especially with the school’s baseball team. This year, Riley will graduate with a multitude of accomplishments and possibly attend the college of his dreams on a baseball scholarship.

“Riley has a great attitude and sportsmanship,” said senior David Schneider. “He’s also a reliable hitter and fielder.”

A key member of the baseball team since freshman year, Riley plays shortstop.

“Riley is a complete, all-around player who’s talented in all aspects of the game,” junior Joel Thaler said. “He’s reliable and can be counted on to always perform to the fullest.”

Riley has received several awards playing shortstop such as Rookie of the Year, Most Outstanding Defensive Player, MVP, and Captain Leadership. In his freshman and sophomore seasons, he made the Miami-Dade All County baseball team, a prestigious honor only awarded to the best players in the district.

Homeschooled until high school, Riley easily adjusted to life at Palmetto; today his friends and teammates see him as a great leader both on and off the field.

“Riley is seen as a close friend by many, on the field and in his classes,” said junior Josh Cohen.

Aside from his personal dedication, talent, and love of the sport, Riley’s family remains a large source of his motivation to succeed. His three older brothers played baseball and his father is the former coach and current physical education teacher at Palmetto.

“Baseball has always been my passion and the fact that Riley plays brings us closer together and makes me happy,” said Coach Delgado.

Since 2010, Riley has managed to carry on the family legacy while becoming a valuable asset to the baseball team.

“My brothers did really well,” Riley said. “I want to make it big and be good like they were.”