Gordon takes home Heart and Hustle Award
Injured 2B looks 'comfortable' taking swings off a tee
PHOENIX -- Second baseman Dee Gordon was named the Marlins' 2015 Heart and Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association on Tuesday.
The award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game and best embody its values, spirit and tradition. One player on each team is chosen based on his passion, desire and worth ethic on and off the field.
The Heart and Hustle Award is the only one in MLB voted on by former players. Toward the end of this season, MLBPAA 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.
Gordon's hustle also played a role in the thumb injury that landed him on the disabled list.
Manager Dan Jennings on Tuesday said he watched video of Gordon taking swings off the tee in Florida and said the MLB hits leader looked good.
"He looked comfortable," Jennings said. "No projected timetable yet, but it's good to see he's showing strength in his hand and thumb."