MLBPAA announces Bobby Witt Jr. as winner of the 19th annual overall Heart and Hustle Award

Colorado Springs Colo. - The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) is proud to announce Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. as the overall winner of the 2024 Heart and Hustle Award. This prestigious award celebrates active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. Notably, the Heart and Hustle Award is is voted on by former players.

At 24 years old, Witt Jr. has cemented himself as a three-time recipient of the Royals’ team Heart and Hustle Award -- a unanimous decision this year by the voting committee. During the 2024 season, Witt Jr. recorded 211 hits, 109 RBI and a .332 batting average. These accomplishments earned him his first All-Star appearance, as well as Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards and the American League batting title.

Beyond his hustle on the field, the young star has become a cornerstone for the Royals, showcasing exceptional work ethic, resilience and leadership. Off the field, he is equally inspiring, actively supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the growth of baseball. In July 2024, Witt Jr. hosted a youth baseball camp to support a retired police officer and Royals fan battling ALS -- further underscoring his commitment to community service and the mission of the MLBPAA.

“The description of the award sounds like it was written to describe Bobby! He wins the admiration of all those he comes in contact with on a daily basis,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro.

The MLBPAA formed 30 committees comprised of Alumni players with established relationships to each team. Fans and all MLB Alumni voted to select the final winner from 30 team winners. Witt Jr. joins a distinguished list of past winners who have demonstrated unparalleled passion and effort in their careers.

The previous overall winners are David Eckstein (2005), Craig Biggio (2006, 2007), Grady Sizemore (2008), Albert Pujols (2009), Roy Halladay (2010), Torii Hunter (2011), Mike Trout (2012), Dustin Pedroia (2013), Josh Harrison (2014), Anthony Rizzo (2015), Todd Frazier (2016), Brett Gardner (2017), Mookie Betts (2018), Howie Kendrick (2019), Ozzie Albies (2021), Paul Goldschmidt (2022) and Marcus Semien (2023). No award was presented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information regarding the Heart and Hustle Award, please contact Kendall Meisner at Kendall@MLBPAA.com or (719) 477-1870, ext. 201.

To learn more about the MLBPAA, please visit www.baseballalumni.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@MLBPAA).