That is how Rizzo began his acceptance speech as the top overall Heart & Hustle Award winner, speaking on behalf of the game itself. Rizzo's award was announced at the dinner, and his words reflected the state of shock players were still in around baseball over the news of Hanson's passing less than 24 hours earlier. It was amid that sadness that such matters as award presentations and fundraising went on, like the game itself.
In addition to Rizzo's award, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones was presented with the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award by the award's namesake himself, and former manager Bobby Valentine and Dodgers legend Carl Erskine were given Lifetime Achievement Awards.