Keith Hernandez was an American legend before he even hit the major leagues. As the starting first baseman on the champion 1973 UCLA Bruins baseball team, Hernandez made his mark on collegiate baseball, winning Player of the Year honors and setting records that still stand today. But it was in the major leagues where Hernandez would become an icon, one of the greatest Cardinals to ever play in St. Louis and one of the best players in Mets history. And it’s in retirement where Keith Hernandez has become an American legend, as respected for his business acumen as he was for his hitting ability. Keith Hernandez: An American Legend
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Childhood Years
Keith Hernandez was born on October 27, 1959 to Nicaraguan immigrants who wanted their son to make something of himself in America. Keith started playing baseball at a young age and eventually played for his high school team. Keith also played for the University of Southern California Trojans. Keith Hernandez: An American Legend
College at Lafayette
Keith attended Lafayette College and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 12th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League debut on September 5, 1982 and played in one game that season. In 1983, he became a regular starter at first base for the Cardinals. In 1985, Hernandez led the NL with 40 home runs and finished fourth in MVP voting while helping lead the Cardinals to a World Series title over cross-state rival Kansas City Royals.
Minor Leagues
Hernandez was signed by the Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1971. After four years in their farm system, he made his major league debut at age 22 on September 10 and contributed a pinch-hit single off Larry Gura of the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent the entire 1974 season with St. Louis and then split 1975 between them and the triple A Tulsa Oilers.
The Birth Of A Star
Hernandez was born in San Francisco, California on October 23, 1954. His mother died when he was 5 years old and his father abandoned him shortly thereafter. Despite being a ward of the state of California, he became one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of baseball.
Rise To Stardom
In 1975, Keith was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the MLB draft. He spent his first three seasons in Double-A and Triple-A before making his major league debut on September 5th, 1978. In 1979 he was voted to the NL All-Star team and won the MVP award at just 23 years old. The following year, Keith helped lead St. Louis to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees, which would mark his first championship with the Cardinals.
A Man Of Many Names
Hernandez, who has played for the Cardinals and Mets, is a five-time All-Star, MVP winner and World Series champion. He was born in California on March 15, 1957. After he graduated from Fullerton Union High School, he attended Arizona State University. After his collegiate career with the Sun Devils ended in 1978, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and made his debut with them in 1979.
Retirement And Today
Retired since 1993, Keith Hernandez has gone on to enjoy a successful second career as a television commentator and author. He also does some public speaking, but he doesn’t like it much. I’m not going to be a motivational speaker, he says. That’s not my calling.
Q.&A.
What is Keith’s middle name?
-He doesn’t have one.
How many World Series Championships does Keith have?
-Hernandez has two World Series championships from his time with the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals.
What did Keith Hernandez say about Phillies?
I was a little surprised, said Keith Hernandez, the Mets’ first baseman. It’s difficult to believe that a team could go for five years without winning.
Is Keith Hernandez Spanish?
Although Keith Hernandez was born in New York, he is of Spanish descent. His father, also named Keith, was born in Cuba and migrated to the United States as a child. Growing up in New York, the younger Keith played with his father on a team called the Spanish Red Sox.
How much does Keith Hernandez make?
One of the most decorated players in MLB history, Keith Hernandez is also one of the most well-known baseball analysts on television. His net worth is estimated at $30 million.
Who did Keith Hernandez play for?
Hernandez played the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. He was a five-time All-Star who shared the 1979 NL MVP award and won two World Series titles, one each with the Cardinals and Mets. He finished his career with 2,247 hits, 297 home runs, 1,395 RBIs, and a lifetime batting average of .289.