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The end of the season means end of season awards. The Heart & Hustle Award isn't exactly a big deal, but it is something, and a Yankee could win it. Isn't that something! What is The Heart & Hustle Award? Well:
Created by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association in 2005, the Heart & Hustle Award is voted on by Alumni and active Major League players and is presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.
The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, comprised of Alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each Major League team is chosen by the committees based on the passion, desire, and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field. These players will be recognized prior to an upcoming home game. As the season draws to a close, fans, all Alumni and active players will vote to select the final winner from the 30 team winners.
Brett Gardner has been nominated for the Heart & Hustle Award, his second nomination. Past Yankees who were nominated include Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, and Mariano Rivera, but no Yankee has ever won. Previous winners include Mike Trout, Torii Hunter, Roy Halladay, Albert Pujols, Grady Sizemore, Craig Biggio (twice), and David Eckstein.
Essentially, this is a Grit Award. Meaning that Dustin Pedroia will probably win, though Nate McLouth, Sam Fuld, Nick Punto, and Juan Pierre could give him so competition. Also, Raul Ibanez is up for this award. Go Brett Gardner Go!