Matt Olson has added another accolade to his impressive All-Star campaign by receiving the Atlanta Braves Heart & Hustle Award. This honor recognizes his passion and dedication on the field throughout the 2024 season. As the Braves’ recipient, Olson is now the nominee for the Major League Baseball league-wide Heart & Hustle Award, an honor he previously earned with the Oakland Athletics in 2021.
Meaning Behind the Award and Influences on Olson’s Career
Olson described receiving this award as a special milestone in his career, emphasizing his commitment to competing with integrity. He attributes much of his development to the guidance and lessons learned from his family, high school coach, and former A’s teammate Marcus Semien. Reflecting on Semien’s role, Olson said,
“He was the vet in Oakland when I was coming up. Kind of expected everybody to be on the field, and while I kind of had that in me already, you know, when you come up to the big leagues for the first time, you got to learn the ways of it, and for him to be the one to set the tone, it just kind of carried out for me.”
—Matt Olson
Atlanta Roots and Braves Legends as Role Models
Growing up in Atlanta, Olson naturally admired Braves greats such as Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones at the plate, along with the dominant pitching staff of the 1990s like Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine. He called these players
“pretty easy guys to try to be like,”
recognizing their influence on his work ethic and approach to the game. This local connection has fueled Olson’s consistency and availability, demonstrated by his streak of over 700 consecutive games played, including nearly 600 straight with the Braves.
Exceptional Contributions on Offense and Defense
Olson has been one of the Braves’ most reliable performers this season, hitting .259 with 18 home runs and 68 RBIs, complemented by a 127 OPS+. Defensively, his impact is even more pronounced, leading all first basemen with 27 defensive runs saved, well ahead of runner-up Carlos Santana, who has 17 DRS. Olson’s performance highlights both his offensive power and defensive excellence, underscoring why he is such a key figure for Atlanta.
Veteran Leadership Influencing Braves’ Young Talent
The Braves have seen fewer young players rise to prominence in recent years compared to other teams, but Olson believes the veterans set a strong example. He noted that rookies observe the work habits and dedication of seasoned players, who consistently play and train with professionalism. Olson explained,
“I think when young guys do come up, they see guys who are playing every day, working the right way. It’s kind of a thing where I need to fall in line and do what the veteran guys are doing. Kind of similar to how it was for me as a rookie.”
—Matt Olson He added that this influence functions more as a shared attitude than a formal system, with everyone naturally adopting the same standards.
Heart & Hustle Award’s Purpose and Braves’ History With It
The Heart & Hustle Award is presented annually by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association to honor a player who best embodies the passion, values, and spirit of baseball. To date, Ozzie Albies is the only Braves player to have won the league-wide award, taking it home in 2021. Several other Braves have been nominated over the years, including Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson, Nick Markakis, Jason Heyward, Brian McCann, and Andrelton Simmons, reflecting the pride and tradition of the club in celebrating players who demonstrate exceptional commitment and passion.
What Olson’s Award Means for the Braves
Matt Olson’s receipt of the Braves Heart & Hustle Award reinforces his reputation as a player who exemplifies determination and competitive spirit. His consistent presence on the field and leadership by example serve not only as a testament to his hard work but also as an influence for younger teammates. As Olson vies for the overall MLB Heart & Hustle Award, his contributions highlight the importance of passion and perseverance in baseball, qualities essential to the Braves’ continued success.