Marisnick earns Heart and Hustle Award
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Outfielder Jake Marisnick is the Astros’ recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced Tuesday.
One player from all 30 teams is selected for “demonstrating a passion for the game of baseball and best embodying the values, spirit and traditions of the game.” The award is voted upon by former players.
Alex Bregman was the Astros’ recipient last season. Hall of Famer Craig Biggio won the league-wide award in 2006 and ’07. This season’s overall winner will be announced in November.
Marisnick is slashing .243/ .303/.459 in 74 games this season. His defensive wizardry — including headfirst dives or wall-climbing theatrics to take away hits in center field — is renowned across the majors.
“In my five years here, (Marisnick) has long been an underappreciated guy with what he brings on the field,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He sells out for all plays, runs into walls, diving plays. The consummate team pro. A professional guy that we love to watch play. He has an energy that the crowd absorbs, that the team absorbs and his opponents have to deal with.”
The 28-year-old is embroiled in a controversy after a violent collision at home plate with Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy prior to the All-Star break. Major League Baseball levied a two-game suspension that Marisnick is appealing. A date has not been set to hear the case.
Until it is heard, Marisnick is eligible to play, and he started Tuesday’s game in center field.