Josh Bell continues to gain recognition beyond the All-Star Game.
The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced Tuesday that Bell is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2019 Heart and Hustle Award winner. The award honors active players who demonstrate “a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game.”
It is the only award in Major League Baseball voted on by former players. Bell leads MLB in RBIs (84) while slashing .295/.369/.629.
“Josh represents everything that is good and valued in our game,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “He plays at the highest level like a kid in the backyard.”
One player from each team is chosen and will be recognized prior to an upcoming home game. Fans, baseball alumni and active players will vote to select the overall winner.
Former Pirates player Josh Harrison was the overall winner in 2014. Others were David Eckstein (2005), Craig Biggio (‘06, ‘07), Grady Sizemore (‘08), Albert Pujols (‘09), Roy Halladay (‘10), Torii Hunter (‘11), Mike Trout (‘12), Dustin Pedroia (‘13), Anthony Rizzo (‘15), Todd Frazier (‘16), Brett Gardner (‘17) and Mookie Betts (‘18).
The final winner will be announced Nov. 7 at the 20th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City. This event is the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball clinics.
