Gordon named Marlins' 2015 Heart & Hustle Award recipient
All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon was named the Miami Marlins' 2015 Heart & Hustle Award recipient on Tuesday morning.
The award, given out by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), "honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game." It is voted on by former players, according to its site.
Until dislocating his left thumb two days before the All-Star break, Gordon led the majors with 122 hits, ranked second with 33 stolen bases and fifth with a .338 average through 84 games. Gordon's penchant for hustle plays on the basepaths and on the diamond popularized #SpeedKills on social media.
"That's amazing," Gordon said. "I appreciate it. This is my second one. Like I said, I really appreciate being recognized by my teammates and the alumni association. That's amazing. To get it from former players who went through the grind as well to recognize me is amazing."
Christian Yelich received the accolade for the Marlins last season.
The final winner will be announced on Nov. 10 in New York City. The event is a fundraiser for free Legends for Youth baseball clinics that reach out to more than 15,000 children at 120 clinics.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.