There’s certain players in every sport that seem to just stick about above the rest when it comes to their work ethic and the way they carry themselves both on and off the field. Here in Detroit, it’s hard to find a player that exemplifies that better than Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler.
The 35-year-old veteran of 12 years in the majors was announced on Tuesday as the Tigers’ recipient for the Major League Baseball ‘Heart and Hustle Award’ that is handed out every year since 2005.
Ian Kinsler is Detroit Tigers' Heart and Hustle Award winner for 3rd time https://t.co/b8DLNRJc2g @tigers
— George Sipple ☕️ (@GeorgeSipple) July 18, 2017
For the third time in his career, Ian Kinsler wins the #HeartandHustle Award for @tigers. Congratulations Ian!
— MLBPAA (@MLBPAA) July 18, 2017
This is the only award in @MLB voted upon by former players. Voting is conducted prior to the All-Star break. #HeartandHustle
— MLBPAA (@MLBPAA) July 18, 2017
A product of the MLB Players Alumni Association and voted on by both alumni of the sport and active major league players, here is how the award is defined:
…presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.
One player from each Major League team is chosen by the committees based on the passion, desire, and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field.
This is the second consecutive time that Kinsler has represented the Tigers for this prestigious award. It is also the third time in his career he has been selected by his team. In 2008, he was one of 30 nominees when he was still a member of the Texas Rangers.
“We are proud to present Ian with this award,” MLBPAA chief executive officer Dan Foster said in a statement. “His effort both on and off the field, including his work with The Children’s Center, embodies the spirit of this award.”
This year’s list of 30 players consists of some names familiar to Tigers faithful. Among the other worthy recipients include Avisail Garcia (White Sox), Hernan Perez (Brewers) and Rick Porcello (Red Sox)
Last year’s winner was Todd Frazier of the Chicago White Sox.
