Simmons selected for Heart and Hustle Award

ATLANTA -- Andrelton Simmons was pleased to learn Tuesday the Major League Players Alumni Association selected him as the Braves' honoree for this year's Heart and Hustle Award.

This award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. Each team's winner is selected by votes cast from former players who have established relationship with the respective clubs.

"It's good that they see I play the right way," Simmons said. "It encourages you to continue doing the same thing and give it your all. There are a lot of other guys on the team that bust their butt to get the job done. But to be the one chosen for this team is pretty cool."

• Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association

While Simmons' tremendous athleticism has allowed him to garner two Gold Glove Awards and be widely considered one of the game's best defensive shortstops, he also has benefited from a determined spirit displayed both in the field and on the basepaths.

Later this season, fans, all Alumni and active players will vote to select the final winner from the 30 team selections. The winner will be announced on Nov. 10 at the 16th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City. This event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics.

Here are this year's preliminary winners:

National League East
Braves: Simmons
Marlins: Dee Gordon
Mets: Curtis Granderson
Phillies: Chase Utley
Nationals: Ian Desmond

NL Central
Cubs: Anthony Rizzo
Reds: Todd Frazier
Brewers: Jonathan Lucroy
Pirates: Tony Watson
Cardinals: Matt Carpenter

NL West
Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt
Rockies: DJ LeMahieu
Dodgers: Joc Pederson
Padres: Derek Norris
Giants: Brandon Crawford

American League East
Orioles: Adam Jones
Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia
Yankees: Brett Gardner
Rays: Kevin Kiermaier
Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson

AL Central
White Sox: Geovany Soto
Indians: Jason Kipnis
Tigers: James McCann
Royals: Alex Gordon
Twins: Brian Dozier

AL West
Astros: George Springer
Angels: Mike Trout
Athletics: Stephen Vogt
Mariners: Kyle Seager
Rangers: Prince Fielder