The Heart & Hustle Award is an annual honor presented to the players by Major League Baseball (MLB). The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) presents this award to a current player who exemplifies not only exceptional performance on the field but also the true values, spirit, and traditions of baseball. Established in 2005 by the MLBPAA, this esteemed recognition aims to celebrate players who demonstrate unwavering passion, determination, and dedication to the game.
Every year, the MLBPAA chooses one player from each team as a nominee for the prestigious Heart & Hustle Award. The deserving winner is then honored with this esteemed recognition during a special ceremony held within the season itself. The Heart & Hustle Award acknowledges the qualities that set players apart and emphasizes the significance of character and sportsmanship in the world of baseball. Notably, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals became the recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award in MLB in 2024.
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Heart & Hustle Award Winner Year by Year
The following table lists all the winners of the MLB Heart & Hustle Award in MLB from 2005 to 2024 as per the MLB official site-
| Year | Winner | Position | Team |
| 2005 | David Eckstein | Shortstop | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 2006 | Craig Biggio | Second baseman | Houston Astros |
| 2007 | Craig Biggio | Second baseman | Houston Astros |
| 2008 | Grady Sizemore | Outfielder | Cleveland Indians |
| 2009 | Albert Pujols | First baseman | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 2010 | Roy Halladay | Pitcher | Philadelphia Phillies |
| 2011 | Torii Hunter | Outfielder | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim |
| 2012 | Mike Trout | Outfielder | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim |
| 2013 | Dustin Pedroia | Second baseman | Boston Red Sox |
| 2014 | Josh Harrison | Utility player | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 2015 | Anthony Rizzo | First baseman | Chicago Cubs |
| 2016 | Todd Frazier | Third baseman | Chicago White Sox |
| 2017 | Brett Gardner | Outfielder | New York Yankees |
| 2018 | Mookie Betts | Outfielder | Boston Red Sox |
| 2019 | Howie Kendrick | Infielder | Washington Nationals |
| 2021 | Ozzie Albies | Second baseman | Atlanta Braves |
| 2022 | Paul Goldschmidt | First baseman | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 2023 | Marcus Semien | Second baseman | Texas Rangers |
| 2024 | Bobby Witt Jr. | Shortstop | Kansas City Royals |
How is the recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award determined?
The recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award is determined through a specific process. First, nominations for the award are collected from the alumni of the teams. Afterward, a dedicated committee reviews and evaluates these nominations. The committee carefully assesses each nominee based on their dedication, passion, and determination exhibited both on and off the field.
After the committee review, a letter ballot is sent to the members of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA). These MLBPAA members comprise former Major League Baseball players who have the privilege to cast their confidential vote for the award recipient. Each member is allowed a single vote. Once the voting period concludes, the ballots are gathered and checked to determine the recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award. Following this determination, the deserving winner is notified and duly celebrated for their dedication and commitment to the game of baseball.
FAQs on Heart & Hustle Award Winner Year By Year
A. No, the MLB Heart & Hustle Award takes into account a player's performance, kearship qualities and determination during the games throughout the season.
A. Yes, all MLB players, irrespective of their position, experience, or previous accolades, are eligible to be nominated for the prestigious MLB Heart & Hustle Award.
A. The MLB Heart & Hustle Award was presented on Friday November 22, 2024 for the 2024 MLB season.
A. No, the voting process for the MLB Heart & Hustle Award is conducted by a committee of former MLB players.
A. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals won the 2024 MLB Heart & Hustle Award.
