Harrison named Bucs' Heart & Hustle Award winner

By Tom Singer and Stephen Pianovich

July 22, 2014

PITTSBURGH -- Josh Harrison has been the Pirates' spark this season, playing the game with an edge that has inspired his teammates and drawn the admiration of fans.

"His enthusiasm and energy drips on the other guys as well," said manager Clint Hurdle, describing Harrison's impact.

Quite fittingly, then, Harrison on Tuesday was named the Bucs' winner for the 2014 Heart & Hustle Award, presented since 2005 by the MLB Players Alumni Association to the player on each of the 30 clubs who "demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game."

The Pirates' winner the past two seasons was Andrew McCutchen.

The overall MLB winner of this award -- the only one voted upon by former Major League players -- will be announced on Nov. 18, 2014, at the 15th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City.

"Josh uses everything he has and embodies professionalism that separates Major Leaguers from ballplayers," said Steve Blass, the former Pirates righty who is a member of the MLBPAA. "His energy and passion is contagious."

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. Stephen Pianovich is an associate reporter for MLB.com.