Keith Hernandez
| Birthdate | 10/20/1953 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1974 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Cardinals, Indians, Mets |
| Position | First Base |
Twice a World Champion, Keith Hernandez earned 11 straight Gold Gloves to go along with his five All Star appearances and two Silver Sluggers.
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Eleven-time Gold Glover Keith Hernandez was drafted in the 42nd round
Eleven-time Gold Glover Keith Hernandez was drafted in the 42nd round
The St. Louis Cardinals had no reason to believe Keith Hernandez would reach the Major Leagues when they drafted him in the 42nd round of the June draft in 1971. Just 17 when he signed with the Cards, Hernandez played his first professional game for the American Association’s Double-A Tulsa Oilers in 1972.
As an 18-year old, Hernandez filled out the league’s official publicity questionnaire shown above. Items predating a player’s MLB debut are rare; this one comes from before the Gold Glover’s minor league professional debut.
An interesting piece worth looking over, this questionnaire is filled out fully in Hernandez’ hand and stamped with a date of December 31, 1971.
Hernandez went on to have a fine career. He spent his first 10 years with the St. Louis Cardinals. During that time, Hernandez won 6 Gold Glove Awards and appeared in two All Star games.
His finest season came in 1979 when he led the league in runs, doubles, and batting average. He was rewarded as the league’s co-MVP with Pittsburgh’s Willie Stargell.
In 1983 the Cardinals traded him to the Mets. He earned five Gold Gloves and the 1986 World Series title in New York. Hernandez retired after 43 games with Cleveland in 1990.
Many believe Keith Hernandez deserves a plaque in Cooperstown
Many believe Keith Hernandez deserves a plaque in Cooperstown
The 1979 National League batting champion and Most Valuable Player, Keith Hernandez remains a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame.
The first baseman played both sides of the ball, earning 11 straight Gold Gloves while hitting .296 over his lifetime. He was a five-time All Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
For his career, Hernandez hit .296 with 2,182 hits, 1,124 runs, and 1,071 RBI. The 1980s remains underrepresented in the Hall of Fame and Hernandez certainly has his supporters.
Shown here is an autographed 1975 Topps rookie card of the Gold Glove first baseman. His 17-year big league career featured a World Series title with the Cardinals in 1982 and the Mets in 1986.
I think Keith deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame. Although I’m a Chicago Cubs fan. I respect Keith for all he did. He showed how dependable he is. I hope he gets inducted.
As a two dimensional player he deserves to be in, The best fielding first baseman probably ever. Intelligent and a great leader HOWEVER
Tainted by cocaine use and drugs. This unfortunately should keep him out.
Keith deserves to be in the Hall, great on offense and defense and most importantly, his leadership made the Mets winners. He did it all!
Didn’t they change the rules because of him and prohibit 1st basement from straddling the first base line when holding runners on 1st?
I’m Keith Hernandez
That says it all
I’ve been watching baseball since 1953 ,back then I was a NY Giants fan,Willie was the best player all around I ever saw and Keith was the best first baseman I ever saw !