Showing Heart and Hustle
Ian Desmond has already been named an All-Star and has won a Silver Slugger Award in his career. With a few more plays like the barehanded one he made on Mike Minor’s slow roller last night, he may add a Gold Glove to that register at some point. But tonight, he can take great pride in earning the Heart & Hustle Award, an accolade seemingly created for a player like Desmond, who is growing into a leader both on the field and in the community.
The Annual Heart & Hustle Award recognizes one player on each Major League team who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game. Of the 30 winners from each Major League team, one player will be chosen as the final Heart and Hustle Award recipient, as voted on by the more than 6,000 members of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. This winner will be announced at the Legends for Youth Dinner, held in New York City on November 19, 2013.
“We can’t control results, but we can control what we do off the field,” said Desmond in regards to his work in the community, particularly with the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. “We’re called to do more than just get hits and play defense.”
Former Washington Senator and current Chairman of the Board of the MLBPAA, Jim Hannan will present Desmond with his award on the field prior to Tuesday night’s game vs. Atlanta. Desmond has been the Nationals nominee twice in the past, in both 2010 and 2011. Teammate Kurt Suzuki was also the Oakland Athletics nominee in both of the same years.
For more information on this award, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, and how you too can become a member, please visit www.baseballalumni.com.
