Little Known Facts About Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez was the leader of the Mets in the 1980's. He became the team's first captain in 1988 and was the inspirational leader of the 1986 World Championship team. Here are a few more things you may or may not know about Keith Hernandez.

Keith was drafted in the 42nd round of the 1971 amateur draft by the St Louis Cardinals.

He made his major league debut on August 30, 1974 with the St Louis Cardinals at Candlestick Park against the San Francisco Giants. Keith grew up in San Francisco. In his first at bat he walked. His first hit was a single in the 9th inning driving in Bake McBride for his first RBI.

His first double came on September 1, 1974 of Ed Halicki of the San Francisco Giants

His first triple came against Tom Seaver of the New York Mets on September 8, 1974 at Busch Stadium.

His first home run came on May 24, 1975 at Dodger Stadium off Doug Rau.

His first stolen base came against the Montreal Expos on April 18, 1976

Keith Hernandez played seven games in the outfield during his career. He played three games in left field in 1981 and four games in 1982, two in left field and two in right field.

Keith Hernandez was traded to the Mets on June 15, 1983 for pitchers Rick Ownbey and Neil Allen. He made his debut with the Mets on June 17 vs. the Montréal Expos in Montreal. Tom Seaver was the starting pitcher for the Mets. In his first at bat he grounded out to the pitcher. He got his first hit, a single, in the 4th inning against Charlie Lea. He finished the game going 2 for 4.

Keith drove in his first run for the Mets on June 18 with a single to score Mookie Wilson.

In his first at bat against his former team the Cardinals he grounded out to 2nd base. He finished the game with two hits and an RBI. The game was the first game of a doubleheader on June 20, 1983 at Shea Stadium. This was also his first game for the Mets at Shea Stadium. His first hit at Shea for the Mets was a single in the 4th inning against Kevin Hagan.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Keith hit his first home run for the Mets. He hit it against John Stuper.

His final hit for the Mets came on June 20, 1989 at St Louis against Frank DiPino

In his final at bat for the Mets he flew out to left field.

Keith Hernandez signed with the Cleveland Indians as a free agent on December 7, 1989.

His first game for the Cleveland Indians was April 12, 1990 at Yankee Stadium. In his at bat he hit into a fielders choice. His first hit for the Indians was a single off of Eric Plunk of the Yankees.

Keith drove in his first run for the Indians on April 13 against the Chicago White Sox. He drove in Cory Snyder.

He hit his first home run for the Indians on April 25 in Toronto off of Todd Stottlemyre. Todd's father Mel was the Mets pitching coach in 1986. This was also his last home run in the majors.

Keith final major league hit came on July 20 1990 against the California Angels. It was a single off of Bert Blyleven.

In his final at bat in the Majors he grounded out to first base against Donn Pall of the Chicago White Sox.