On 14 April, during Monday night’s Braves game against the Blue Jays, sideline reporter Wiley Ballard sparked controversy by asking a female fan for her phone number while live on air.
Ballard, named Georgia Sportscaster of the Year in 2024, was doing a live segment on FanDuel Sports Network when he chatted with Lauren and Kayla, two fans in the crowd.
As the segment ended, Ballard hinted that he was about to try his luck with the fans, which drew some laughter from the announcers.
The play-by-play commentator encouraged him to get their phone numbers before the end of the game, and Ballard responded with a playful nod.
Wiley Ballard’s Parents, Dr. Perry Ballard And Jane Roberts, Are Proud Of His Achievements
After the Braves’ final regular-season game in 2023, Wiley Ballard joined some of his Bally Sports coworkers at a small gathering, where he was introduced to Ronnie Snitker, the wife of Braves manager Brian Snitker.
At first, he was mentioned as someone working in the broadcast crew, but when he told her he was the son of Dr. Perry Ballard, everything changed.
Back in 1993, Ronnie had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
With the support of the Braves organization, she was connected to a highly respected oncologist, Dr. Perry Ballard, who helped guide her through treatment during a difficult chapter in her life.
That same year, Perry Ballard became a father, welcoming Wiley into the world.
So when Ronnie realized she was meeting the doctor’s son, who had once played such a crucial role in her recovery.
Dr. Perry Ballard, who retired from medical practice on December 31, 2018, had a distinguished career in oncology.
He spent much of his professional life at Peachtree Hematology Oncology P.C., providing compassionate care to countless patients.
Earlier in his career, he worked as an oncologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation’s leading medical centers.
Dr. Ballard earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and previously studied U.S. History at Dartmouth.
Similarly, Jane Roberts Ballard is a caring and hands-on mom who shares a close relationship with Wiley and his two siblings.
She often shares snapshots of her memories on social media, showing her pride in her kids.
Outside of family life, Jane loves the outdoors- she’s into trekking and kayaking, and her social media is filled with photos from her adventures.
Whether on a trail or paddling through a quiet river, she brings the same warmth and energy to everything she does.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He previously worked with the Sunbelt Baseball League and was Co-Commissioner of the Buckhead Backyard Football League.
- Wiley studied Finance at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is an alumnus of The Westminster Schools in Atlanta.
- He has lived in Atlanta, Georgia, since joining the city in August 2008.
