The award that Rod Carew takes home recognizes one current and one hall of famer each year for a player who possesses values, integrity, and dedication. Carew won the award for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves while he was playing baseball. Additionally this past year Carew founded the Heart of 29 that encourages people to get their hearts checked with regularity and helps raise awareness for heart health.
Carew suffered a heart attack last fall while playing golf by himself. He has since been very vocal about what happened to him and how happy he is to be alive.