Dozier honored with Heart and Hustle Award
Second baseman's style of play recognized for second straight year
ANAHEIM -- Second baseman Brian Dozier was named the Twins' Heart and Hustle Award winner for a second straight year, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced Tuesday.
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. The Heart and Hustle Award is the only award in the Majors that is voted on by former players. One player from each team is chosen by an alumni committee and a final winner will be announced on Nov. 10 at the 16th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City.
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"It doesn't surprise me," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He's a guy who plays almost every day and has that gritty game. He's got that moxie to it and gets dirty. He runs the bases and hits for power. It's well-deserved. We have a few other guys who could fit that description, but for him to get recognized for that is a good thing."
Dozier, 28, was an All-Star for the first time this season, and has been Minnesota's best player, hitting .260/.331/.520 with 20 homers, 27 doubles, nine stolen bases, 70 runs and 51 RBIs in 91 games.
"[Brian] works hard, plays harder, [and] takes his job personal," said former Twins manager Tom Kelly. "[He] tries to help younger players [and] plays just about every day."