Every year, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) presents the Heart & Hustle Award to one player on each team who they believe “best embodies the values, spirits and traditions of baseball,” while on-field performance is also taken into consideration.
This year’s recipient for the Los Angeles Dodgers was outfielder Matt Kemp, who revitalized his career both on and off the field after being traded from the Braves this past offseason.
Before Saturday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kemp received his award on the field at Dodger Stadium from hitting coach Turner Ward, which the Dodgers shared a clip of on their official Twitter account:
.@TheRealMattKemp receives the Dodgers’ 2018 #HeartAndHustle Award! pic.twitter.com/NyRaflTw5p
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2018
Kemp capped off the night with a go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth inning that led to the Dodgers moving into a first-place tie in the National League West.
Kemp is now in the running to win the actual award as one player from the 30 nominees will be selected as the annual winner of the MLB Heart & Hustle Award. The final winner will be selected by fans, alumni and active players, and will be announced on Nov. 8, 2018, at the 19th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York.
In addition to Kemp, the Dodgers’ past nominees include Justin Turner (2017), Chase Utley (2016), Joc Pederson (2015), Dee Gordon (2014), Nick Punto (2013), Jerry Hairston Jr. (2012), Jamey Carroll (2011), Matt Kemp (2010), Russell Martin (2007-09) and Eric Gagne (2006).
Brett Garner from the New York Yankees won the award in 2017. No Dodgers player has ever won it since they began giving it out in 2005.
