Kendrick earns first Heart and Hustle Award

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

November 08, 2019, 3:49am

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The accolades continue to arrive for Nationals utility infielder Howie Kendrick. Last night in New York City, Kendrick was honored for the first time in his career as the recipient of the 2019 Heart and Hustle Award.

The award, voted on by former players, is given to "active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game."

Kendrick, the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, worked off the field with closer Sean Doolittle to provide surviving members of military families with a special "Salute to Service" experience on game days, honoring TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) families.

In 2018, the 14-year veteran donated a percentage of his salary to the Alzheimer's Association and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. The Foundation works to improve the lives of Washington, D.C., youth through academics, the arts, nutrition and sports.

Kendrick slashed .314/.351/.514 during the NLCS and had a critical two-run homer in Game 7 of the World Series, helping the Nationals to their first-ever world championship.

The announcement was made at the 20th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City.