Hernandez has compiled an average at the plate of .294 for his baseball career in addition to 1,131 runs scored and an OPS of .425. Over the course of his pro career, he came to the plate 8,698 times and has reached base with a hit 2,208 times. His slugging percentage sits at .042 and he has racked up 3,245 bases. In his MLB career, Hernandez has slapped 163 balls out of the park while knocking in 1,079 runs. He has struck out 1,029 times and earned a walk on 1,084 occasions, which has contributed to a .383 on-base percentage.
Over the course of the season, Hernandez has tallied 7 runs, amassed 8 runs batted in and has 1 home runs. He has gone down swinging 17 times while accounting for 31 bases in total. He has earned an OPS of 0.521 and a slugging % of .238. He has taken a walk 14 times and has accumulated an OBP of .283. Hernandez has a total of 26 hits out of 130 at-bats for a batting average of .200.
| Year | Team | BA | HR | H | BB | R | RBI | OBP | PA | AB | OPS | OPS+ | 2B | 3B | G | SLG | SB | CS | TB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | .296 | 162 | 2,182 | 1,070 | 1,124 | 1,071 | .384 | 8,553 | 7,370 | .821 | 128 | 426 | 60 | 2,088 | .436 | 98 | 63 | 3,214 | 1,012 | |
| 1990 | CLE | .200 | 1 | 26 | 14 | 7 | 8 | .283 | 145 | 130 | .521 | 49 | 2 | 0 | 43 | .238 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 17 |
| 1989 | NYM | .233 | 4 | 50 | 27 | 18 | 19 | .324 | 244 | 215 | .649 | 91 | 8 | 0 | 75 | .326 | 0 | 3 | 70 | 39 |
| 1988 | NYM | .276 | 11 | 96 | 31 | 43 | 55 | .333 | 384 | 348 | .750 | 120 | 16 | 0 | 95 | .417 | 2 | 1 | 145 | 57 |
| 1987 | NYM | .290 | 18 | 170 | 81 | 87 | 89 | .377 | 676 | 587 | .813 | 120 | 28 | 2 | 154 | .436 | 0 | 2 | 256 | 104 |
| 1986 | NYM | .310 | 13 | 171 | 94 | 94 | 83 | .413 | 652 | 551 | .859 | 140 | 34 | 1 | 149 | .446 | 2 | 1 | 246 | 69 |
| 1985 | NYM | .309 | 10 | 183 | 77 | 87 | 91 | .384 | 682 | 593 | .814 | 129 | 34 | 4 | 158 | .430 | 3 | 3 | 255 | 59 |
| 1984 | NYM | .311 | 15 | 171 | 97 | 83 | 94 | .409 | 657 | 550 | .859 | 143 | 31 | 0 | 154 | .449 | 2 | 3 | 247 | 89 |
| 1983 | TOT | .297 | 12 | 160 | 88 | 77 | 63 | .396 | 633 | 538 | .829 | 131 | 23 | 7 | 150 | .433 | 9 | 5 | 233 | 72 |
| 1983 | STL | .284 | 3 | 62 | 24 | 34 | 26 | .352 | 244 | 218 | .784 | 116 | 15 | 4 | 55 | .431 | 1 | 1 | 94 | 30 |
| 1983 | NYM | .306 | 9 | 98 | 64 | 43 | 37 | .424 | 389 | 320 | .858 | 140 | 8 | 3 | 95 | .434 | 8 | 4 | 139 | 42 |
| 1982 | STL | .299 | 7 | 173 | 100 | 79 | 94 | .397 | 694 | 579 | .810 | 127 | 33 | 6 | 160 | .413 | 19 | 11 | 239 | 67 |
| 1981 | STL | .306 | 8 | 115 | 61 | 65 | 48 | .401 | 444 | 376 | .864 | 142 | 27 | 4 | 103 | .463 | 12 | 5 | 174 | 45 |
| 1980 | STL | .321 | 16 | 191 | 86 | 111 | 99 | .408 | 690 | 595 | .902 | 147 | 39 | 8 | 159 | .494 | 14 | 8 | 294 | 73 |
| 1979 | STL | .344 | 11 | 210 | 80 | 116 | 105 | .417 | 698 | 610 | .930 | 151 | 48 | 11 | 161 | .513 | 11 | 6 | 313 | 78 |
| 1978 | STL | .255 | 11 | 138 | 82 | 90 | 64 | .351 | 633 | 542 | .741 | 108 | 32 | 4 | 159 | .389 | 13 | 5 | 211 | 68 |
| 1977 | STL | .291 | 15 | 163 | 79 | 90 | 91 | .379 | 645 | 560 | .837 | 125 | 41 | 4 | 161 | .459 | 7 | 7 | 257 | 88 |
| 1976 | STL | .289 | 7 | 108 | 49 | 54 | 46 | .376 | 428 | 374 | .803 | 127 | 21 | 5 | 129 | .428 | 4 | 2 | 160 | 53 |
| 1975 | STL | .250 | 3 | 47 | 17 | 20 | 20 | .309 | 207 | 188 | .671 | 83 | 8 | 2 | 64 | .362 | 0 | 1 | 68 | 26 |
| 1974 | STL | .294 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 2 | .415 | 41 | 34 | .856 | 140 | 1 | 2 | 14 | .441 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 8 |
Keith Hernandez is a name that resonates with baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Known for his exceptional skills as a first baseman and his charismatic personality, Hernandez has left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB). This article delves into his illustrious career, examining his statistics, accolades, and the ongoing debate about his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Entry into MLB
Born on October 20, 1953, in San Francisco, California, Keith Hernandez grew up in a family that cherished the sport of baseball. His father, John Hernandez, was a minor league baseball player and instilled in Keith a love for the game from a young age. Keith’s brother, Gary, also played minor league baseball, creating a competitive environment that fueled Keith’s passion and talent.
Draft and Debut
Hernandez was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 42nd round of the 1971 MLB Draft. Despite being a late pick, his talent quickly shone through. He made his major league debut with the Cardinals on August 30, 1974. From that point on, his career trajectory was set on a path toward greatness.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Keith Hernandez’s career is filled with achievements that underscore his prowess on the field. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable moments and accomplishments of his MLB journey.
Gold Glove Dominance
Hernandez was renowned for his defensive skills, earning 11 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1978 to 1988. This achievement set a record for first basemen, showcasing his exceptional ability to field his position and make crucial plays that often turned the tide of games.
Offensive Contributions
While his defensive prowess was undeniable, Hernandez was also a formidable offensive player. His career batting average of .296, coupled with 162 home runs and 1,071 runs batted in (RBIs), highlights his consistent performance at the plate. Hernandez’s keen eye and disciplined approach made him a valuable asset in any lineup.
World Series Champion
One of the crowning achievements of Hernandez’s career came in 1982 when he helped lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series victory. His leadership and clutch performances during the playoffs were instrumental in securing the championship. Hernandez later won another World Series with the New York Mets in 1986, further solidifying his legacy as a winner.
Keith Hernandez and the Mets
In 1983, Hernandez was traded to the New York Mets, a move that would define the latter part of his career. His presence in the Mets’ lineup was transformative, bringing a winning mentality and elevating the team’s performance.
The 1986 Miracle Mets
The 1986 season was a magical year for the Mets, culminating in a World Series title. Hernandez played a pivotal role in this success, both as a player and a leader. His experience and poise under pressure were invaluable assets that helped guide the team through challenging moments.
Leadership and Influence
Beyond his on-field contributions, Hernandez’s leadership in the clubhouse and his ability to mentor younger players left a lasting impact on the Mets organization. His presence was often credited with fostering a culture of professionalism and competitiveness.
The Hall of Fame Debate
Despite his impressive career, Keith Hernandez has not yet been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts, with many arguing that his defensive excellence and overall contributions to the game warrant enshrinement.
Arguments for Induction
Proponents of Hernandez’s Hall of Fame candidacy point to his record-setting Gold Glove Awards, his role in two World Series championships, and his consistent offensive production. They argue that his impact on the game, particularly in redefining the first base position, is deserving of recognition at the highest level.
Counterarguments
On the other hand, some critics contend that Hernandez’s offensive statistics, while solid, do not meet the typical benchmarks for Hall of Fame first basemen. They also note that his career was not without controversy, particularly regarding his involvement in baseball’s infamous drug trials of the 1980s.
Life After Baseball
Since retiring from professional baseball, Keith Hernandez has remained active in the sport as a broadcaster and analyst. His insightful commentary and engaging personality have made him a beloved figure among fans, further cementing his legacy in the baseball community.
Broadcasting Career
Hernandez has worked as a television analyst for the New York Mets, providing color commentary and expert analysis. His ability to articulate the nuances of the game and share anecdotes from his playing days has endeared him to a new generation of baseball fans.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Off the field, Hernandez is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting children’s charities and animal welfare organizations. His commitment to giving back reflects the values instilled in him by his family and his desire to make a positive impact beyond the baseball diamond.
Conclusion
Keith Hernandez’s career is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and determination. Whether or not he ultimately gains entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, his contributions to the game and his influence on future generations of players cannot be denied. Hernandez remains a beloved figure in the world of baseball, remembered not only for his skills and achievements but also for his enduring passion for the sport.
His legacy, both on and off the field, continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, ensuring that the name Keith Hernandez will always be associated with excellence in Major League Baseball.
