PEORIA, Ill. -- Bradley University alumnus Mike Tauchman has added another remarkable honor to his already accomplished baseball journey, being named a nominee for Major League Baseball's prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. Presented annually, the award recognizes players who exemplify extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions on and off the field.
Tauchman's nomination comes as no surprise to those who followed his standout career at Bradley from 2010 to 2013. During his four seasons with the Braves, he became one of the most decorated players in program history. Appearing in 193 games with 192 starts, he set a program record by reaching base safely 367 times. His .341 career batting average ranks eighth all-time at Bradley among players with at least 300 at-bats, and he stands among the program's top 10 in several other categories, including games started, at-bats, hits, triples, walks, on-base percentage, and sacrifice bunts. His senior season in 2013 remains legendary, as Tauchman led the NCAA with a .425 batting average, set a modern-day Bradley record, and posted a .513 on-base percentage that ranked fourth nationally. That same year, he became the program's first consensus All-American and was named the Missouri Valley Conference Joe Carter Player of the Year, only the second Brave to ever receive the honor.
Following his historic collegiate career, Tauchman was selected in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Colorado Rockies. He made his Major League debut on June 27, 2017, beginning a professional journey that has included stops with the Rockies, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and most recently the Chicago Cubs. In 2023, he became the first Bradley Baseball alum to play for the Cubs, making his mark as the team's primary leadoff hitter and center fielder. His clutch performances quickly won over fans, even inspiring "Summer of Mike Tauchman 2023" t-shirts produced by Obvious Shirts. Tauchman also spent 2022 with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization, where he earned All-Star honors.
Over parts of six MLB seasons, Tauchman has built a reputation as a reliable contributor, posting a career .246 batting average with 40 home runs, 194 RBIs, 248 doubles, and 226 walks. Known more for his consistency and versatility than power numbers, his ability to get on base and provide steady defense has made him a valuable presence on every roster he's joined.
Just as impressive as his on-field accomplishments is Tauchman's impact away from the diamond. After his daughter, Remi, was born with a cleft palate requiring special medical care, Mike and his wife, Eileen, turned their family's personal challenge into a mission to support others. In 2024, they launched an initiative at a Chicago White Sox home game, distributing care packages that included essentials such as stuffed animals, sippy cups, gift cards, blankets, and long phone chargers for families navigating lengthy hospital stays. The couple also pledged to personally match donations up to $18,000 to support Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, aligning the campaign with National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month.
For Bradley University, Tauchman's nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award reflects both his athletic excellence and the values instilled during his time on campus. From leading the NCAA in hitting to now leading with compassion, his career illustrates how perseverance and service can leave a lasting legacy. Whether in the box score or the community, Mike Tauchman continues to embody what it means to be a Brave.
