Christian Walker has been honored as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ recipient of the 2024 Heart and Hustle Award, a recognition presented by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA). This award celebrates active players who demonstrate exceptional passion for the game and embody the core values and traditions of baseball. Notably, it is the only MLB accolade voted on by former players, with voting taking place before the All-Star break.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Last year, it was Corbin Carroll who was named the award winner for the Diamondbacks.
Each year, the MLBPAA organizes 30 committees, each consisting of Alumni players who are closely connected to each Major League team. These committees select one player from each team based on their demonstrated passion, dedication, and work ethic, both on and off the field. As the season progresses, all alumni and active players participate in voting to determine the overall winner from the 30 team honorees.
Currently on the injured list with a strained oblique, Walker made a compelling case for his first career All-Star game appearance but was outvoted by the Mets’ Pete Alonso. Despite this, Walker has undoubtedly been one of the top five first basemen in baseball this season as he heads into free agency. Among first basemen, he ranks second in home runs (23), second in runs scored (62), third in RBIs (71), and fourth in OPS (.814). In the field, the two-time Gold Glove winner has committed just two errors.
The overall winner of the 18th annual Heart and Hustle Award will be announced on MLB Network after the World Series, sometime in mid-November.
