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Toronto Blue Jays: Curtis Granderson deserves Heart and Hustle Award

By Paul Taylor

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 02: Curtis Granderson #18 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts to striking out against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning of the game on May 2, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Blue Jays 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 02: Curtis Granderson #18 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts to striking out against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning of the game on May 2, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Blue Jays 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Curtis Granderson has been named the Toronto Blue Jays’ Heart and Hustle Award recipient by the MLBPAA and it’s thoroughly deserved.

The chances are Curtis Granderson is one-and-done this year with the Toronto Blue Jays, whether he’s traded this month or becomes a free agent at the end of the season. However, he’s still managed to make an impact on the team.

As reported by Sportsnet, Granderson has been named the Blue Jays’ Heart and Hustle Award recipient by the MLBPAA. As per MLB.com, one player is chosen from each team based on the passion, desire and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field.

This is the seventh time in Granderson’s career he has been named as the recipient for the team he plays for. He was also nominated while with the Detroit Tigers (2007 & 2008), New York Yankees (2011 & 2012) and New York Mets (2015 & 2016).

In reality, it is no surprise the 37-year-old has been selected so many times by team alumni. He is extremely likeable and was voted one of the most friendly players in the Majors, according to a 2010 Sports Illustrated poll.

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Granderson would no doubt be the first person to admit his production this year hasn’t been up to his usual standard. In his defence, however, he has been impacted by playing a part-time role with the Blue Jays.

Regardless, the three-time All-Star continues to give 100 percent when he is on the field. Limited to 268 at bats through 90 games, he has still managed to hit 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.

Away from the field, Granderson has long appreciated his high profile and used it to help others where possible. In 2007, he founded the Grand Kids foundation to aid positive youth development through education, physical fitness and nutrition initiatives.

The final winner from the 30 teams will be voted for by fans, all Alumni and active players and, as per Sportsnet, selected on Nov. 8 at the 19th annual Youth Dinner in New York City. You have to hope it’s a case of seventh-time lucky for Granderson, who more than deserves the overall award.

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The Heart and Hustle Award was created in 2005. Here is a list of all of the previous Blue Jays’ recipients:

No Blue Jay has ever won the overall Heart and Hustle Award. However, one past winner who will mean a lot to local fans is the late, great Roy Halladay, who won the overall award in 2010 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

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Do you agree with Granderson being the Toronto Blue Jays’ recipient for the Heart and Hustle Award? How would you describe his impact on the team this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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