Nick Markakis Wins 6th Heart and Hustle Award of Career for Braves
By Aaron Halford
Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis has been announced the Braves' winner of the 2019 Heart and Hustle Award, an honor given to a player who "demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game."
Every year, one player from every team is nominated for the award. This season marks Markakis' sixth nomination and fourth with the Atlanta Braves. Markakis was nominated twice earlier in his career as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
Before tonight’s game: @andruwjones25 presented Nick Markakis with the #HeartandHustle award! pic.twitter.com/E85aknlMVf
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 23, 2019
Throughout his career, Markakis has been as consistent as anyone in the major leagues. In 14 years of service, Markakis is a career .288 hitter, and doesn't have a single season in which he's finished under .271, surely earning him election to the Hall of Very Good.
Congratulations to Nick Markakis for winning his sixth #HeartandHustle Award! pic.twitter.com/qyVsmH7wWo
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 23, 2019
The Braves currently sit four games ahead of the Washington Nationals in the NL East, in large part due to Markakis' contributions. Originally from Georgia, Markakis will be making friends, fans and family proud with this one.