Altuve tabbed for Heart and Hustle Award

OAKLAND -- All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve is the Astros' nominee for the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association's 2014 Heart and Hustle Award, which honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

The Heart and Hustle Award is also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players.

"We are proud to present Jose with this award," MLBPAA director of communications Nikki Warner said. "He embodies all that the award represents and is a positive role model in the Houston community."

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 their passion, desire and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field.

These players will be recognized prior to an upcoming home game. 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. The previous overall winners include Craig Biggio of the Astros in 2006 and '07 and Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox last year.

The final winner will be announced on Nov. 18 at the 15th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York. This event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics. These clinics impact more than 15,000 children each year at 110 clinics, allowing them the opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.