Cobb Reporter

Braves star Ozzie Albies was named by Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association as the winner of the 2021 Heart and Hustle Award, an annual honor that recognizes a player who best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game. 

“I don’t know anybody who has any more fun playing baseball than that kid," Braves manager Brian Snitker told MLB.com. "It’s just what he does. He’s a joy to be around."

Albies was instrumental in helping the Braves win the 2021 World Series, MLB.com said. He helped offensively and defensively, providing Gold Glove-caliber defense and a bat with a lot of pop throughout the postseason. The 24-year old hit .259 with 30 homers, notched 106 RBIs, and turned in a .799 OPS. This year, he earned his second All-Star selection and second Silver Slugger Award. 

Albies has been in the league for only three full seasons, but has made a huge impression on the league and the sport as a whole, MLB.com said. He is already the owner of a Braves record--most career home runs by a second baseman. He became the eighth player in franchise history to record a 30-home run and 100-RBI season at age 24 or younger. 

Off the field, Albies is as positive of a force as they come. He is one of the most talented players in the league, but always keeps things light and fun with his teammates and his fans, and is beloved by teammates, umpires and baserunners.MLB.com said. Additionally, MLB.com said, he has started a charity line of T-shirts. Five percent of every purchase is donated to a charity that is chosen by the fans. 

According to MLB.com, previous overall Heart and Hustle Award winners were David Eckstein (2005), Craig Biggio (2006, 2007), Grady Sizemore (2008), Albert Pujols (2009), Roy Halladay (2010), Torii Hunter (2011), Mike Trout (2012), Dustin Pedroia (2013), Josh Harrison (2014), Anthony Rizzo (2015), Todd Frazier (2016), Brett Gardner (2017), Mookie Betts (2018) and Howie Kendrick (2019). No award was presented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.