Zim nominated for MLBPAA Heart & Hustle award

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is the ballclub's 2009 recipient of the Major League Baseball Player Alumni Association's Heart & Hustle Award.

The esteemed award honors an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball, and best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

A representative from each Major League team is selected to receive the award by a committee of Alumni players, with the final winner announced on November 6 at the 10th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City.

Current members of the Alumni Association will vote to choose the winner from the list of 30 finalists.