DENVER -- Pablo Sandoval is the winner of the Giants' Heart & Hustle Award for 2019, which honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game. The Heart & Hustle Award is also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players.

"It means a lot, especially when you're coming from ups and downs in your career," Sandoval said. "You come back and get a second chance and get another opportunity, so this award means a lot to me, especially with my coaches and my teammates who help me and give me that energy to play with a love and passion of the game."

"[Pablo] has reinvented his career and become an excellent role player," said former outfielder and current Giants bench coach Hensley Meulens. "[He is] always ready to help the team, whatever it takes."

The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association formed 30 committees, comprised of alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each Major League team is chosen by the committees based on their passion, desire and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field.

Sandoval will be honored prior to an upcoming Giants game at Oracle Park. As the season draws to a close, fans, alumni and active players will vote to select the final winner from the 30 team winners.

The final winner will be announced Nov. 7 at the 20th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City. The event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics. These clinics impact more than 19,000 children each year at 185 clinics, allowing them the opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.