Francoeur honored for Heart and Hustle

KANSAS CITY -- The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association honored Royals outfielder Jeff Francoeur with the Heart and Hustle Award in a pregame ceremony before Friday's game against the White Sox.

Francoeur is one of 30 Major Leaguers to win the award this season. One player from each team is recognized with a preliminary award and the final winner will be announced Nov 13.

"It shows, hopefully, that you play the game the right way, you play hard, show up every day ready to go," Francoeur said. "It's cool when it's voted by your peers and older guys that have played the game, because they're the ones that pick it. So it's definitely an honor for me."

Former Royals pitcher and current broadcaster Jeff Montgomery presented Francoeur with the award, something that made the moment more special for Francoeur.

"He obviously had a great career here and is a great guy off the field and does great things. So to have him present it to me is really special," Francoeur said.