Heart & Hustle Award

Created by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association in 2005, the Heart & Hustle Award is voted on by Alumni and active Major League players and is presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.

The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, comprised of Alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each major league team is chosen by the committees based on the passion, desire, and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field. As the season draws to a close, fans, all Alumni and active players will vote to select the final winner from the 30 team winners.

For more information regarding the Heart & Hustle Award, please contact Kendall Meisner at [email protected].


2023 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers

Marcus Semien has earned recognition as a multiple-time recipient of the Team Heart and Hustle Award, clinching the honor four times while representing three different clubs—the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers. The 2023 World Series champion continues to demonstrate a crucial impact in the clubhouse, on the field and in his community. During the Rangers 2023 regular season, Semien recorded 185 hits, 100 RBI and 29 home runs, earning him his second All-Star appearance and Silver Slugger Award. In the 2023 postseason he recorded 17 hits, 10 RBI and two home runs.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles, Anthony Santander
  • Boston Red Sox, Justin Turner
  • Chicago White Sox, Andrew Benintendi
  • Cleveland Guardians, José Ramírez
  • Detroit Tigers, Matt Vierling
  • Houston Astros, Kyle Tucker
  • Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr.
  • Los Angeles Angels, Zach Neto
  • Minnesota Twins, Pablo López
  • New York Yankees, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
  • Oakland Athletics, Carlos Pérez
  • Seattle Mariners, J.P. Crawford
  • Tampa Bay Rays, Randy Arozarena
  • Texas Rangers, Marcus Semien
  • Toronto Blue Jays, Daulton Varsho

Nominees:

  • Arizona Diamondbacks, Corbin Carroll
  • Atlanta Braves, Austin Riley
  • Chicago Cubs, Nico Hoerner
  • Cincinnati Reds, TJ Friedl
  • Colorado Rockies, Elias Díaz
  • Los Angeles Dodgers, Freddie Freeman
  • Miami Marlins, Luis Arraez
  • Milwaukee Brewers, Christian Yelich
  • New York Mets, Brandon Nimmo
  • Philadelphia Phillies, Garrett Stubbs
  • Pittsburgh Pirates, David Bednar
  • San Diego Padres, Ha-Seong Kim
  • San Francisco Giants, LaMonte Wade Jr.
  • St. Louis Cardinals, Brendan Donovan
  • Washington Nationals, Lane Thomas

2022 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals

A five-time winner of the Arizona Diamondbacks team Heart and Hustle Award and first-time winner of the St. Louis Cardinals team award, Paul Goldschmidt proves to play a critical role on the field and within his community. During the Cardinals 2022 season, Goldschmidt recorded 178 hits, 115 RBI and 35 home runs, earning him his seventh All-Star appearance and fifth Silver Slugger award. Beyond the diamond, Goldschmidt remains active in his community, sponsoring an MLBPAA Legends for Youth Clinic at Busch Stadium in the summer of 2022. The free baseball clinic for local St. Louis youth and parents was led by Goldschmidt and eight alumni members. He remains a continued supporter of the Cardinals’ team charity, Cardinals Care, and was nominated for the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award for his valiant efforts in supporting local St. Louis charities as well as other various youth organizations.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles, Austin Hays
  • Boston Red Sox, Rafael Devers
  • Chicago White Sox, José Abreu
  • Cleveland Guardians, José Ramírez
  • Detroit Tigers, Eric Haase
  • Houston Astros, Jose Altuve
  • Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr.
  • Los Angeles Angels, Jared Walsh
  • Minnesota Twins, Luis Arraez
  • New York Yankees, Jose Trevino
  • Oakland Athletics, Chad Pinder
  • Seattle Mariners, Eugenio Suárez
  • Tampa Bay Rays, Manuel Margot
  • Texas Rangers, Adolis García
  • Toronto Blue Jays, Matt Chapman

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  • Arizona Diamondbacks, Daulton Varsho
  • Atlanta Braves, Dansby Swanson
  • Chicago Cubs, Willson Contreras
  • Cincinnati Reds, Kyle Farmer
  • Colorado Rockies, Connor Joe
  • Los Angeles Dodgers, Trea Turner
  • Miami Marlins, Jon Berti
  • Milwaukee Brewers, Jace Peterson
  • New York Mets, Brandon Nimmo
  • Philadelphia Phillies, Rhys Hoskins
  • Pittsburgh Pirates, Bryan Reynolds
  • San Diego Padres, Jake Cronenworth
  • San Francisco Giants, Wilmer Flores
  • St. Louis Cardinals, Paul Goldschmidt
  • Washington Nationals, Josh Bell*

*Josh Bell remains the Washington Nationals' nominee despite being acquired by a different team after the committee voting was finalized.


2021 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves

A first-time winner of the Atlanta Braves team Heart and Hustle Award, the 24-year-old Curaçaoan played a critical role in the Braves’ road to the 2021 World Series championship. During the Braves 2021 season, Albies recorded 163 hits, 106 RBI and 30 home runs, earning him his second All-Star appearance and Silver Slugger award. Throughout his five years in the majors, Albies has appeared in 560 games, collecting 613 hits and 90 home runs. Off the field, Albies continues to give back to his home island during the annual Curaçao Baseball Week, a week giving back to the community and the children of Curaçao. In May of 2021, Albies launched a line of t-shirts, where five percent of every purchase is donated to a charity chosen by fans.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles, Cedric Mullins
  • Boston Red Sox, Rafael Devers
  • Chicago White Sox, Tim Anderson
  • Cleveland Indians, José Ramírez
  • Detroit Tigers, Robbie Grossman
  • Houston Astros, José Altuve
  • Kansas City Royals, Salvador Pérez
  • Los Angeles Angels, David Fletcher
  • Minnesota Twins, Jorge Polanco
  • New York Yankees, Aaron Judge
  • Oakland Athletics, Matt Olson
  • Seattle Mariners, Mitch Haniger
  • Tampa Bay Rays, Joey Wendle
  • Texas Rangers, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
  • Toronto Blue Jays, Marcus Semien

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  • Arizona Diamondbacks, Eduardo Escobar
  • Atlanta Braves, Ozzie Albies
  • Chicago Cubs, Javier Báez
  • Cincinnati Reds, Nick Castellanos
  • Colorado Rockies, Ryan McMahon
  • Los Angeles Dodgers, Chris Taylor
  • Miami Marlins, Miguel Rojas
  • Milwaukee Brewers, Willy Adames
  • New York Mets, Kevin Pillar
  • Philadelphia Phillies, Ronald Torreyes
  • Pittsburgh Pirates, Adam Frazier
  • San Diego Padres, Jake Cronenworth
  • San Francisco Giants, Brandon Crawford
  • St. Louis Cardinals, Tommy Edman
  • Washington Nationals, Trea Turner

2019 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Howie Kendrick, Washington Nationals

A first-time Heart and Hustle Award recipient, veteran All-Star Kendrick played a pivotal role in the Nationals' road to the franchise's first ever World Series title. During the Nationals' 2019 postseason run, Kendrick recorded 18 hits, eight runs, 12 RBI and two home runs, earning him National League Championship Series (NLCS) MVP accolades. Kendrick's three doubles in Game 3 of the NLCS tied the league championship series record and led him to accumulate a .314/.351/.514 slash line. In his 14 years in the majors, Kendrick has appeared in 1,596 games and collected 1,722 hits and 125 home runs. Off the field, Kendrick and his teammate, pitcher Sean Doolittle, work together to provide surviving members of military families with a special 'Salute to Service' experience on game days, which honors TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) families. These families are invited by Kendrick and Doolittle to watch batting practice from the field, as well as meet with both players prior to game time. Participants are also provided the opportunity to share their stories, take photos with players, get autographs and view photos of their lost loved ones on NatsHD. In 2018, Kendrick donated a percentage of his salary to Alzheimer's Association and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, which works to improve the lives of Washington, D.C. youth through academics, the arts, nutrition and sports.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles, Trey Mancini
  • Boston Red Sox, Rafael Devers
  • Chicago White Sox, James McCann
  • Cleveland Indians, Francisco Lindor
  • Detroit Tigers, Niko Goodrum
  • Houston Astros, Jake Marisnick
  • Kansas City Royals, Whit Merrifield
  • Los Angeles Angels, David Fletcher
  • Minnesota Twins, Byron Buxton
  • New York Yankees, DJ LeMahieu
  • Oakland Athletics, Marcus Semien
  • Seattle Mariners, Mitch Haniger
  • Tampa Bay Rays, Avisaíl García
  • Texas Rangers, Hunter Pence
  • Toronto Blue Jays, Freddy Galvis

 

  • Arizona Diamondbacks, Eduardo Escobar
  • Atlanta Braves, Nick Markakis
  • Chicago Cubs, Javier Báez
  • Cincinnati Reds, José Iglesias
  • Colorado Rockies, Tony Wolters
  • Los Angeles Dodgers, Max Muncy
  • Miami Marlins, Miguel Rojas
  • Milwaukee Brewers, Lorenzo Cain
  • New York Mets, Jeff McNeil
  • Philadelphia Phillies, J.T. Realmuto
  • Pittsburgh Pirates, Josh Bell
  • San Diego Padres, Fernando Tatís Jr.
  • San Francisco Giants, Pablo Sandoval
  • St. Louis Cardinals, Paul DeJong
  • Washington Nationals, Howie Kendrick

2018 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox

A first-time winner of the Boston Red Sox team Heart and Hustle Award, Betts' four seasons in the majors have been nothing short of stellar, winning two American League Gold Glove Awards, one American League Silver Slugger Award and earning three All-Star appearances. This season, Betts led the American League in batting average (.346), slugging percentage (.640) and runs scored (129), and was the first player to hit for the cycle, concluding his season with a World Series championship. Beyond the diamond, Betts has contributed to various charities in both Boston and his hometown of Nashville. While Betts has participated in events hosted by the Red Sox Foundation and Jimmy Fund, he has also assisted with youth baseball clinics in the Boston area and competed in charity golf and bowling tournaments, displaying his bowling prowess at an All-Star celebrity event hosted by NBA star Chris Paul. In 2017, Betts partnered with New Era to create a special line of baseball caps honoring the Red Sox and the state of Tennessee with a portion of sales going to two charities that Betts works with: Pitching In For Kids and One Mission. In 2018, Betts gained recognition for distributing hot meals to the homeless outside of the Boston Public Library after winning game two of the World Series.

Nominees:

2017 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Brett Gardner, New York Yankees

In 2017, New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner had a solid campaign, posting career-highs in hits (157), home runs (21) and slugging percentage (.428). A Gold Glove Award winner in 2016 and an All-Star in 2015, Gardner is a five-time winner of the Yankees team Heart and Hustle Award. A tenacious player who always plays hard, Gardner's impact spans beyond the baseball field. Throughout his career, Gardner has spent countless hours at the New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, and visits patients at the Medical University of South Carolina every year as well. Twice a Roberto Clemente Award nominee, Gardner works with the Ronald McDonald House, the Salvation Army and serves as a charter member of the Taylor Hooton Advisory Board, which educates young people on the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. A fixture in the Yankees annual "Hope Week" activities, Gardner also hosted a luncheon for 80 active duty members of the U.S. military and their families for Thanksgiving in 2016, and in September of 2017 wore two special pairs of cleats that he auctioned off to benefit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Pediatric Cancer Research Center. Brett Gardner is a true gamer who embodies all of the qualities of a Heart & Hustle Award winner, and we are honored to present him the 2017 Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

2016 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Todd Frazier, Chicago White Sox

In 2016 Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier clubbed 40 homers, drove in 98 runs and swiped 15 bases en route to one of the best seasons of his career. A two-time All-Star with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the White Sox after the 2015 season, Frazier won the 2015 Home Run Derby in Cincinnati. A champion at heart, Frazier was a part of the Toms River, New Jersey, team that won the 1998 Little League World Series. Since his MLB debut in 2011, Frazier has become one of the best power-hitting third basemen in the game. A tenacious athlete and a great teammate, Frazier also stays active in his community, helping with relief efforts in his home state of New Jersey when Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. We are proud to honor Todd Frazier with the 2016 Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

2015 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

2015 Heart & Hustle Award winner Anthony Rizzo put together quite a season, collecting 163 hits, slugging 31 homers and driving in 101 runs to accompany 17 stolen bases. A rising star in the league, the Chicago Cubs first baseman played in 160 games in 2015, a year in which the Cubs finished with a record of 97-65 and advanced all the way to the National League Championship Series. In 2015, Rizzo made his second of three career All-Star appearance, finishing fourth in National League MVP voting as well. Rizzo spends much of his free time giving back to his community and represents the game of baseball with pride and honor. Through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Rizzo helps to provide support for cancer research and for children and their families who are battling the disease. A phenomenal teammate as well, Anthony Rizzo is a deserving recipient of the 2015 Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

2014 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Josh Harrison, Pittsburgh Pirates

A National League All-Star selection in 2014, Josh Harrison didn't stop there as he secured the 2014 overall Heart & Hustle Award. Harrison was consistently good for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, posting a batting average of .315 while crossing home plate 77 times, stealing 18 bases and compiling 52 RBI. A versatile utilityman, Harrison plays the game with passion and energy, helping the 2014 Pirates to reach the postseason. In addition to what he's done on the diamond, Harrison is extremely active in his community, both through the Josh Harrison for Hope Foundation, which helps provide clothing for low-income children, and through his involvement with Dreambuilders and Blessings in a Backpack, who have partnered to help provide food for elementary school students in the Pittsburgh area. A great player and an even better teammate and person, Harrison's 2014 Heart & Hustle Award is much deserved.

Nominees:

2013 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

In 2013 Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia put together another solid season, posting an average of .301 with 193 hits and 84 RBI. A 2013 American League All-Star, Pedroia also won a Gold Glove Award. Since his MLB debut in 2006, Pedroia has been selected to four AL All-Star teams, won the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year Award and received 2008 AL MVP honors. A World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2007 and 2013, Pedroia is known around the league for his relentless effort on the field both offensively and defensively, making him exactly the kind of player that embodies the values of the Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

2012 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

During his breakout season for the Los Angeles Angels in 2012, Mike Trout led the league in runs scored (129) and stolen bases (49) and was unanimously voted the American League's Rookie of the Year. With a .326 batting average, 30 home runs and 83 RBI, Trout finished second in American League MVP voting and was selected to his first All-Star team in 2012. Trout plays baseball at full speed every day and exudes a passion for the game that is undeniable, making him a more-than-worthy winner of the 2012 Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

2011 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

One of the best defensive center fielders of the 21st century, Torii Hunter was a five-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner during his career. In 2011, Hunter finished with a .262 average, 23 home runs and 82 RBI. On defense, Hunter was stellar once again, finishing with a .989 fielding percentage and committing only three errors the entire season. Hunter's charity, the Torii Hunter Project Education Initiative, provides college scholarships for students in California, Nevada, Minnesota and Hunter's home state of Arkansas. He is also active in the Big Brothers Organization and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. His work earned him the 2009 Branch Rickey Award, which is given based on excellence in charity work. A fantastic player and a great ambassador for the game, we are proud to honor Torii Hunter with the 2011 Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles: Matt Wieters
  • Boston Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia
  • Chicago White Sox: Juan Pierre
  • Cleveland Indians: Asdrubal Cabrera
  • Detroit Tigers: Alex Avila
  • Kansas City Royals: Alex Gordon
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Torii Hunter
  • Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer
  • New York Yankees: Curtis Granderson
  • Oakland Athletics: Kurt Suzuki
  • Seattle Mariners: Miguel Olivo
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Ben Zobrist
  • Texas Rangers: Mike Napoli
  • Toronto Blue Jays: J.P. Arencibia
  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Ryan Roberts
  • Atlanta Braves: Brian McCann
  • Chicago Cubs: Darwin Barney
  • Cincinnati Reds: Miguel Cairo
  • Colorado Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki
  • Houston Astros: Jason Bourgeois
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Jamey Carroll
  • Miami Marlins: Gaby Sanchez
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun
  • New York Mets: Jose Reyes
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Neil Walker
  • San Diego Padres: Chris Denorfia
  • San Francisco Giants: Andres Torres
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Jon Jay
  • Washington Nationals: Ian Desmond

2010 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

After spending his first 12 MLB seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Roy Halladay was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in December of 2009. Chosen in the first round of the 1995 MLB Draft, Halladay went on to put together a phenomenal career in Major League Baseball. In 2003, Halladay won the American League Cy Young Award, establishing himself as one of the top starting pitchers in the game. In 2010, Halladay went 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 250.2 innings of work, earning him the National League Cy Young Award. In addition to his two Cy Young Awards, Halladay also made eight All-Star teams. Apart from his on-field accomplishments, the ace was actively involved in the community. While in Toronto, he started the "Doc's Box" program in which he and his wife, Brandy, brought kids from the local children's hospital and their families to a Blue Jays game. They were treated to a day of baseball along with a hat, T-shirt, program and other Blue Jays gear. Due to his consistent, dominant career on the mound and his commitment to his community, Halladay embodies the Heart & Hustle Award as well as anyone.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles: Ty Wiggington
  • Boston Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia
  • Chicago White Sox: A.J. Pierzynski
  • Cleveland Indians: Shin-Soo Choo
  • Detroit Tigers: Brandon Inge
  • Kansas City Royals: David DeJesus
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Joel Pineiro
  • Minnesota Twins: Nick Punto
  • New York Yankees: Brett Gardner
  • Oakland Athletics: Kurt Suzuki
  • Seattle Mariners: Franklin Gutierrez
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria
  • Texas Rangers: Michael Young
  • Toronto Blue Jays: John McDonald
  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Chris Young
  • Atlanta Braves: Jason Heyward
  • Chicago Cubs: Tyler Colvin
  • Cincinnati Reds: Jonny Gomes
  • Colorado Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki
  • Houston Astros: Jason Bourgeois
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Kemp
  • Miami Marlins: Gaby Sanchez
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun
  • New York Mets: Jose Reyes
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Neil Walker
  • San Diego Padres: Chris Denorfia
  • San Francisco Giants: Andres Torres
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Jon Jay
  • Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman

2009 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

A 13th-round draft pick in 1999 by the Cardinals, Albert Pujols has become one of the best hitters in the game. In 2009, Pujols once again put up dominant offensive numbers with a .327 average, 47 home runs and 135 RBI, earning him National League MVP honors. Pujols was the leading vote-getter for the 2009 All-Star Game, receiving the highest number of votes in National League history as of 2009. A three-time NL MVP, 10-time All-Star, 2001 NL Rookie of the Year, six-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glove winner, Pujols is equally great off the field as well. Pujols created the Pujols Family Foundation dedicated to "the love, care and development of people with down syndrome and their families," and he leads relief efforts in his native country, the Dominican Republic. Pujols' hard work and solid character earned him the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and individual contribution to his team. Albert Pujols is a consummate professional and one of the best ballplayers of the 21st century, making him a wonderful representative of the Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees

  • Baltimore Orioles: Nick Markakis
  • Boston Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury
  • Chicago White Sox: Mark Buehrle
  • Cleveland Indians: Grady Sizemore
  • Detroit Tigers: Brandon Inge
  • Kansas City Royals: Mark Teahen
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Torii Hunter
  • Minnesota Twins: Joe Mauer
  • New York Yankees: Nick Swisher
  • Oakland Athletics: Jack Cust
  • Seattle Mariners: Jose Lopez
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria
  • Texas Rangers: Michael Young
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Rod Barajas
  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Mark Reynolds
  • Atlanta Braves: Brian McCann
  • Chicago Cubs: Derrek Lee
  • Cincinnati Reds: Adam Rosales
  • Colorado Rockies: Clint Barmes
  • Houston Astros: Hunter Pence
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Russell Martin
  • Miami Marlins: John Baker
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Mike Cameron
  • New York Mets: David Wright
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Chase Utley
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Ryan Doumit
  • San Diego Padres: David Eckstein
  • San Francisco Giants: Pablo Sandoval
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols
  • Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman

2008 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore is the fourth recipient of the overall Heart & Hustle Award. During the 2008 season, Sizemore set career-highs in home runs (33), RBI (90) and stolen bases (38), and earned his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. Driven by his electric, athletic skill set, Sizemore also finished 10th in American League MVP voting, won a Silver Slugger Award and was named an All-Star for the third time in his career. A passionate, energetic player, Grady Sizemore is a fantastic representative of the Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles: Nick Markakis
  • Boston Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury
  • Chicago White Sox: Joe Crede
  • Cleveland Indians: Grady Sizemore
  • Detroit Tigers: Curtis Granderson
  • Kansas City Royals: David DeJesus
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Torii Hunter
  • Minnesota Twins: Mike Redmond
  • New York Yankees: Derek Jeter
  • Oakland Athletics: Jack Cust
  • Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Jonny Gomes
  • Texas Rangers: Ian Kinsler
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Vernon Wells
  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Stephen Drew
  • Atlanta Braves: Yunel Escobar
  • Chicago Cubs: Geovany Soto
  • Cincinnati Reds: Jerry Hairston Jr.
  • Colorado Rockies: Clint Barmes
  • Houston Astros: Hunter Pence
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Russell Martin
  • Miami Marlins: Dan Uggla
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Corey Hart
  • New York Mets: David Wright
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Chase Utley
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Matt Capps
  • San Diego Padres: Adrian Gonzalez
  • San Francisco Giants: Randy Winn
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols
  • Washington Nationals: Jesus Flores

2007 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Craig Biggio, Houston Astros

In his last big league season, Craig Biggio joined the 3,000-hit club, capping off his 20th year with the Houston Astros. Biggio finished the season with a .979 fielding percentage, a .251 batting average and 130 hits. He also received the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team." During his fantastic career, Biggio was a seven-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He also won the Branch Rickey Award in 1997 and the Hutch Award in 2005. We are proud to honor Craig Biggio with the 2007 Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles: Brian Roberts
  • Boston Red Sox: Kevin Youkilis
  • Chicago White Sox: Jim Thome
  • Cleveland Indians: Grady Sizemore
  • Detroit Tigers: Curtis Granderson
  • Kansas City Royals: David DeJesus
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Chone Figgins
  • Minnesota Twins: Torii Hunter
  • New York Yankees: Mariano Rivera
  • Oakland Athletics: Nick Swisher
  • Seattle Mariners: Raul Ibanez
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Brendan Harris
  • Texas Rangers: Michael Young
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Reed Johnson
  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Conor Jackson
  • Atlanta Braves: Kelly Johnson
  • Chicago Cubs: Derrek Lee
  • Cincinnati Reds: Ryan Freel
  • Colorado Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki
  • Houston Astros: Craig Biggio
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Russell Martin
  • Miami Marlins: Alfredo Amezaga
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Bill Hall
  • New York Mets: Endy Chavez
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Chase Utley
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Jack Wilson
  • San Diego Padres: Trevor Hoffman
  • San Francisco Giants: Omar Vizquel
  • St. Louis Cardinals: So Taguchi
  • Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman

2006 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: Craig Biggio, Houston Astros

Craig Biggio spent the entirety of his career with the Houston Astros and is widely considered the best all-around position player in the club's history. During the 2006 season, Biggio had 135 hits, a .246 batting average and 21 homers. Biggio has served as a spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids Foundation for the majority of his career, which is a foundation that supports children fighting cancer by organizing exciting activities for them and their families. During his fantastic career, Biggio was a seven-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He also won the Branch Rickey Award in 1997 and the Hutch Award in 2005. A tough player who always gave 100 percent, Biggio represents everything that comprises the Heart & Hustle Award.

Nominees:

  • Baltimore Orioles: Ramon Hernandez
  • Boston Red Sox: Jason Varitek
  • Chicago White Sox: Jim Thome
  • Cleveland Indians: Grady Sizemore
  • Detroit Tigers: Carlos Guillen
  • Kansas City Royals: Doug Mientkiewicz
  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Darin Erstad
  • Minnesota Twins: Torii Hunter
  • New York Yankees: Derek Jeter
  • Oakland Athletics: Jason Kendall
  • Seattle Mariners: Raul Ibanez
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Carl Crawford
  • Texas Rangers: Michael Young
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Vernon Wells
  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Craig Counsell
  • Atlanta Braves: Marcus Giles
  • Chicago Cubs: Derrek Lee
  • Cincinnati Reds: Adam Dunn
  • Colorado Rockies: Jamey Carroll
  • Houston Astros: Craig Biggio
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Eric Gagne
  • Miami Marlins: Dontrelle Willis
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Brady Clark
  • New York Mets: Paul Lo Duca
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Rowand
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Jason Bay
  • San Diego Padres: Trevor Hoffman
  • San Francisco Giants: Steve Finley
  • St. Louis Cardinals: David Eckstein
  • Washington Nationals: Alfonso Soriano

2005 Heart & Hustle Award

Winner: David Eckstein, St. Louis Cardinals

In his first season with the St. Louis Cardinals, David Eckstein was named the Heart & Hustle Award winner for his efforts both on and off the field. During the 2005 campaign, Eckstein collected 185 hits, scored 90 runs, drove in 61 runs and posted a batting average of .294. Eckstein was an All-Star in 2005, establishing himself as a fan-favorite in St. Louis. As the inaugural winner of the Heart & Hustle Award, Eckstein embodies the spirit of baseball.