Last night Chris Denorfia was presented the Heart and Hustle Award by the MLB Players Alumni Association. This honor is presented to a player on each team who "demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit, and tradition of the game."
Chris Denorfia acknowledged tonight as #Padres winner of @MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award. Given award by @RJBBQ35pic.twitter.com/G0OeJfl0p3
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 7, 2013
We've seen the Denosaur's heart and hustle on display all throughout the season. On defense, whether he's diving for balls in the outfield...
... or making leaping catches at the wall...
... he's always going above and beyond to try and get the out.
And he has the same spirit and never-give-up attitude when he's at the plate racking up RBI...
... turning singles into doubles with his heads-up baserunning...
... knocking balls out of the park...
... and being our walkoff hero.
So it was a surprise to no one last night when Denorfia pulled off this amazing offensive display to tie the game in the 6th inning. Standing on first base as Jedd Gyorko grounded out, Deno hustled around second and safely slid into third when Todd Helton committed a throwing error to DJ LeMahieu. Recognizing the opportunity and going for it, Deno ran home, slid around Juan Nicasio to avoid the tag, and still managed to touch the plate.
Want to know why Chris Denorfia won the #Padres Heart and Hustle Award? You just witnessed it... #Wow! #TieBallgame
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 7, 2013