Dozier Named Twins Heart and Hustle Award Recipient

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins announced the the MLBPAA (MLB Players Alumni Association) has named Brian Dozier the Twins recipient of the 2014 Heart and Hustle Award.

 

Not totally sure what this award is given for, etc. However, the MLBPAA's mission is: "to promote the game of baseball, raise money for charity, inspire and educate youth through positive sports images and to protect the dignity of the game through former Major League players."

 

In a statement, it reads, "This esteemed award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game."

 

Congratulations to Brian!

[DaveW]

Call me when he wins the coveted battle your tail off award from Gardy.

 

In all seriousness though, good for him, I look forward to him being one of the Twins leaders on and off the field as they return to glory in 2015-2018.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Past Twins winners of the same award

http://mlbpaa.mlb.com/mlbpaa/news/heartandhustle.jsp

 

2013: Ryan Doumit

2012: Jamey Carroll

2011: Michael Cuddyer

2010: Nick Punto

2009: Joe Mauer

2008: Mike Redmond

2007: Torii Hunter

 

Outside of Mauer, every one of these guys has been off the team within a year of receiving the award...

 

Also, a quick scan of those lists suggests the primary criteria for the awards might be service time, defensive position (up the middle preferred), and birthplace.