MLBPAA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 9th ANNUAL HEART AND HUSTLE AWARDS

Thu, Jul 18, 2013 14:00 CET

A player from each MLB team wins respected honor

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) is pleased to announce the 30 preliminary winners of the 2013 Heart and Hustle Award. This esteemed 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 also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players.

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 their 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. The previous overall winners are Craig Biggio (2006, 2007), Grady Sizemore (2008), Albert Pujols (2009), Roy Halladay (2010), Torii Hunter (2011) and Mike Trout (2012).

The final winner will be announced on November 19,2013 at the 14th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City. This event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics. These clinics impact more than 15,000 children each year, allowing them the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.

The 30 Individual Team Winners are as follows:

American League 2013 Winner Baltimore Orioles Nate McLouth Boston Red Sox Dustin Pedroia Chicago White Sox Alex Rios Cleveland Indians Jason Kipnis Detroit Tigers Don Kelly Houston Astros Brandon Barnes Kansas City Royals Alex Gordon Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim J.B. Shuck Minnesota Twins Ryan Doumit New York Yankees Brett Gardner Oakland Athletics Josh Donaldson Seattle Mariners Raul Ibanez Tampa Bay Rays Sam Fuld Texas Rangers Adrian Beltre Toronto Blue Jays Mark DeRosa National League 2013 Winner Arizona Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra Atlanta Braves Andrelton Simmons Chicago Cubs Anthony Rizzo Cincinnati Reds Shin-Soo Choo Colorado Rockies Michael Cuddyer Los Angeles Dodgers Nick Punto Miami Marlins Juan Pierre Milwaukee Brewers Carlos Gomez New York Mets Daniel Murphy Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley Pittsburgh Pirates Andrew McCutchen San Diego Padres Chris Denorfia San Francisco Giants Hunter Pence St. Louis Cardinals Matt Carpenter Washington Nationals Ian Desmond

For more information regarding the Heart and Hustle Award, please contact Nikki Warner, Public Relations Coordinator by e-mail at Nikki@MLBPAA.com or by calling (719) 477-1870, ext. 105.

Contact: Nikki Warner

Public Relations Coordinator

nikki@mlbpaa.com, (719) 477-1870 x. 105

About The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA)

MLBPAA was founded in 1982 with the mission of promoting baseball, raising money for charity, and protecting the dignity of the game through its Alumni players. The MLBPAA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO with a membership of over 6,400, of which approximately 5,300 are Alumni and active players. Alumni players find the MLBPAA to be a vital tool to become involved in charity and community philanthropy.

About Legends for Youth Clinics

MLBPAA’s Legends For Youth clinics impact more than 15,000 children each year, allowing them the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.

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