Utley wins Phils' Heart and Hustle Award

By Todd Zolecki

July 21, 2015

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has been named the team's 2015 Heart and Hustle Award winner.

Given by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, 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 MLBPAA said the award is the only one voted on by former players.

"We are proud to present this award to Chase for the sixth time," MLBPAA director of communications Nikki Warner said in a statement. "He embodies all the qualities the Heart and Hustle Award represents and is an inspiring role model to young players."

Every team has one Heart and Hustle winner, who becomes eligible for the MLB Heart and Hustle Award, selected via a vote by fans, alumni and active players. Previous winners include former Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay (2010).

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his Phillies blog The Zo Zone, follow him on Twitter and listen to his podcast.