Nolan Arenado recognized for winning Diamondbacks’ Heart and Hustle Award

PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado received recognition pregame on Saturday at Chase Field for reaching 2,000 career hits and winning the club’s Heart and Hustle Award.

The Heart and Hustle Award was established in 2005 by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, with each team honoring a player “who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.”

What is unique about the award is that it is voted on by fellow players and alumni representing each team, who opted to honor Arenado for his resurgent season in Arizona.

Alumni and fans will vote on a league-wide winner at the end of the season.

In front of the fans at Chase Field, Arenado was presented with his trophy, along with a framed jersey and scorecard from June 20, when he reached 2,000 hits.

Nolan Arenado recognized pregame for reaching 2,000 career hits and winning the team’s Heart and Hustle Award. pic.twitter.com/a9qQACOHTR

— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) August 9, 2026

Arenado entered Saturday with a .241 batting average, a .751 OPS and 17 home runs, his most since his last All-Star season in 2023.

The 35-year-old has provided a leader-by-example figure in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse, and younger players have been receptive to his advice throughout the year.

“That’s voted on by his teammates, by his peers, which speaks volumes about why he’s been doing it for so long at such a hard level,” manager Torey Lovullo said pregame on Saturday. “Well-deserved honor. He does it right. He’s very intentional with his day. He’s very open about what he’s coming to do for this team and his teammates, and everybody picks up on that vibe.”

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