Jackson is Tigers' Heart and Hustle nominee

DETROIT -- Austin Jackson hasn't gotten nearly the attention that others have in the Tigers' star-studded lineup, and he missed out on an All-Star selection. However, he received some long-overdue recognition this weekend as the Tigers' nominee for the Heart and Hustle Award.

The annual award, which is presented by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game and best embody the game's values, spirit and tradition. Each of the 30 Major League teams has an award winner, establishing a field for the national award to be announced on Nov. 13.

A committee of former Major League players with ties to the Tigers selected Jackson, who's enjoying one of the biggest rebounds of any player this season. When he led off Sunday's game with a 10-pitch walk and scored on Quintin Berry's two-run homer, it marked his 59th run in 74 games this season.

Jackson received the award in a pregame ceremony on Saturday. Tigers first-base coach Tom Brookens, who has worked extensively with Jackson on his outfield play during his three years in Majors, made the presentation.