The Cubs surprised a lot of people this past season with how their season turned out. Two of the biggest reasons for the impressive year were Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, both of which were honored with awards this week.
The Cubs first baseman received the 2015 Heart and Hustle Award from the MLB Players Alumni Association. The award is given to the player who “best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.”
One representative from each team was selected and then voted on by by fans, alumni and active players. This is the second time Rizzo has been the Cubs representative, but the first time he’s won. He is the first Cubs player since the award was created in 2005 to win.
Thank you @MLBPAA for this incredible honor. There is still a lot more work to do & we aren't stopping until we knock cancer out of the park
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) November 11, 2015
Rizzo was also in the running for the Roberto Clemente Award. Like the Heart and Hustle Award, one representative from each team is in the running for the Clemente Award. Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen won this year.
Bryant’s rookie season was almost certainly the most covered through the year, and for good reason. The Cubs third baseman reached the All-Star game and set a number of rookie team records. Thursday, he was named the NL Outstanding Rookie by the MLB Players Association.
With the award, the winner gets to select a charity of their choosing to be given $20,000. A day before Veteran’s Day, Bryant selected the Wounded Warriors Project.
This may not be the last award Bryant wins this season. He is a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award from the BBWAA.
