Matt Kemp was named the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recipient of the 2018 Heart & Hustle Award on Tuesday. Justin Turner was the team’s winner last season.
The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) presents the annual Award to one player on each team who “best embodies the values, spirits and traditions of baseball,” while on-field performance is also taken into consideration.
One player from the 30 nominees is then selected as the annual winner of the MLB Heart & Hustle Award. The final winner will be selected by fans, alumni and active players, and announced on Nov. 8, 2018, at the 19th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York.
The event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics. The New York Yankees’ Brett Gardner took home honors last year.
Kemp, fresh off his first All-Star Game appearance since 2012, has seemingly turned back the clock after finding his way back to the Dodgers last offseason in a surprising trade with the Atlanta Braves.
In 343 plate appearances (96 games), he is batting .318/.362/.541 with 19 doubles, 17 home runs, 63 RBI, a 142 OPS+ and 1.9 WAR (Baseball-Reference).
The MLBPAA began presenting the Heart & Hustle Award in 2005. In addition to Turner, past Dodgers nominees include 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).
Kemp would become the first player in Dodgers history to win the award.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
