By Jon Weisman

Dee Gordon was named the Dodgers’ 2014 Heart and Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

The award is designed to honor active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. It’s the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players.

A question mark to make the Dodger roster in the spring, Gordon has done that and more, earning a trip to the All-Star Game and thoroughly sparking the Dodgers in their pennant chase.

“Dee absolutely deserves this award,” said MLBPAA director of communications Nikki Warner. “He embodies all that the award represents, and his passion for the game is unmatched.”

An overall winner from the 30 MLB team winners will be announced November 18 at the 15th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City, the primary fundraiser for the series of free Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics that impact more than 15,000 children each year, allowing them the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.