Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis was awarded the Braves 2017 Heart and Hustle Award, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced on Tuesday.
The Heart and Hustle Award is given to the player from each MLB team who has passion on the field and embodies of values, spirit and tradition of the game of baseball and is voted on by former players of the MLBPAA.
“Always professional, always plays the game right, always hustles,” Atlanta Braves bench coach Terry Pendleton said of Markakis. “Nick is a true pro.”
Out of the 30 MLB players chosen by MLBPAA committees based on passion, desire and work ethic on and off the field, the final winner will be announced on Nov. 14 at the 18th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City. The Legends for Youth Dinner is a fundraiser for free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics which allow more than 16,000 children a chance to meet, learn from and play with MLB players.
Previous Heart and Hustle Award winners include Albert Pujols (2009), Mike Trout (2012), Anthony Rizzo (2015) and Todd Frazier (2016).
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