MLB stars are known for what they do on the field.
Demonstrations of power, speed, athleticism, defense, arm, and baseball IQ are the things that earn players money and fans all over the world.
The legends, however, care for their community and have an unmatched work ethic.
They work hard to be great at what they do and play the game with passion and intensity.
Those adjectives describe Cleveland Guardians infielder Jose Ramirez to perfection, and that’s why he won the Guardians’ Heart & Hustle Award yet again.
It’s his sixth award, as the Guards themselves announced on Twitter.
“Might as well call it the Heart & Hustle & Hosey Award. Congrats on your sixth, (goat)!” they wrote.
Might as well call it the Heart & Hustle & Hosey Award.
Congrats on your sixth, 🐐!#ForTheLand | @MLBPA pic.twitter.com/paRy9GiFRr
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 1, 2024
The Heart & Hustle Award was introduced by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) in 2005.
The MLBPAA annually puts together a group of former players with links and ties to each team.
In the specific case of the Guardians, these former players vote on the current member of the team that best showcases a passion for baseball and “best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game”.
The voting took place before the All-Star Game, and there is a preliminary winner for each of the 30 teams in the league.
In November, a main winner will be announced to the world after a voting process that will include current and former players.
Grady Sizemore was the las Guardians to win the main award in 2008.
Ramirez is not only a star on the field, with his .860 OPS, 27 homers and 87 RBI; but he is also very much involved in the community and frequently helps kids in Cleveland and his native Dominican Republic.
He also plays the game the right way, with intensity.
He is a worthy Guardians representative among the winners.
NEXT: MLB Executives Loved 1 Guardians Trade
