Springer is Astros' Heart and Hustle winner

HOUSTON -- A day after hosting his first All-Star Bowling Benefit, George Springer was named the Astros' 2015 Heart and Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association on Tuesday.

The award, honoring active players who demonstrate a passion for the game and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of baseball, is given to one player from each club.

Springer's bowling event, attended by manager A.J. Hinch and teammates Vincent Velasquez, Lance McCullers, Carlos Correa and Preston Tucker, established the George Springer Kids Fund, which will help children from families in need to attend Camp SAY.

Camp SAY is a summer camp for youths who stutter, near to Springer's heart as he dealt with stuttering as a child and still battles the speech impediment.

Fans along with former and active players will vote for an overall winner from the 30 club representatives, who will be announced on Nov. 10. Former Astro and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Craig Biggio won the overall award in 2006 and '07.