Before first pitch in Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jeff McNeil will be presented with the 2019 Mets Heart and Hustle Award from the MLB Players Alumni Association.
This award is presented to the player who shows an overall passion for both the game of baseball and for the player that best embodies the values, spirit, and tradition of the game both on and off of the field. It is awarded to a player from each organization. McNeil joins players such as Nick Markakis, Fernando Tatís Jr., J.T. Realmuto, Hunter Pence, and Francisco Lindor in winning this award in 2019.
For a full list of this year’s winners, please click here. One final winner will be selected from this pool, as voted by the MLBPAA committee and fans, alumni and active players will vote to select one final winner from the 30 team winners.
Brandon Nimmo was presented with this award back in 2018 from the Mets.
It is not surprising that McNeil has been presented with this award, even though some may argue that after Pete Alonso‘s 9/11 tribute and with his overall performance this season, he should have won it.
McNeil’s demeanor both on and off the field should not go unnoticed though. He has been flexible this season, playing any position where he has been needed. On top of that, he has done well at these positions. This isn’t even taking into account his contributions from the plate. Furthermore, his philanthropic actions have also taken spotlight recently, with the adoption of Willow McNeil. Jeff, along with his wife Tatiana, have become strong advocates for the North Shore Animal League.
