Granderson is Mets' Heart and Hustle winner

WASHINGTON -- Renowned in baseball circles for his charity work off the field, Curtis Granderson is the Mets' 2015 winner of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association's Heart and Hustle Award. The award honors active players "who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game," and is voted on by former players.

Granderson, 34, established roots in the New York City area long before joining the Mets in December 2013, having spent the four years prior a borough away, with the Yankees. His Grand Kids foundation is also active in and around his native Chicago.

Granderson entered Tuesday's play batting .249 with 14 home runs, appearing in each of the Mets' first 93 games.

Toward the end of this season, MLBPA alumni and active players will vote to select a national Heart and Hustle winner from among the 30 club nominees. Josh Harrison of the Pirates won the award last season.