What is the Heart & Hustle Award?
This esteemed award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game. The Heart and Hustle Award is also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players. Voting is conducted prior to the All-Star break.
It was established in 2005, presumably to award players like David Eckstein, who would not ordinarily rise to the level of MVP voting or maybe even All-Star status, but whose heart and hustle on the field were worthy of recognition.