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    50 Facts About Enrique Hernandez

    Leelah Patino

    Written by Leelah Patino

    Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    50-facts-about-enrique-hernandez
    Source: Cbssports.com

    Enrique Hernández, affectionately known as Kiké, is a versatile and dynamic player in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on August 24, 1991, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he has become a fan favorite due to his exceptional fielding skills and clutch hitting. Hernández began his professional journey with the Houston Astros, making his MLB debut in 2014. His career took a significant turn when he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a crucial role in their postseason successes, including the 2020 World Series win. In 2023, he emerged as a leader for the Boston Red Sox, showcasing his adaptability and leadership. This article delves into 50 fascinating facts about Enrique Hernández, highlighting his journey from a young baseball enthusiast to a key player in the MLB.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Kiké Hernández, a versatile MLB player, overcame struggles to become a World Series champion with the Dodgers and a leader with the Red Sox, showcasing his adaptability and postseason heroics.
    • With a rich baseball heritage, Kiké Hernández's journey from Puerto Rico to the MLB is marked by versatility, humor, and a knack for delivering in high-pressure postseason moments.
    Table of Contents
    01Early Life and Family
    02High School and Draft
    03MLB Debut and Early Career
    04Struggles and Comebacks
    05Postseason Heroics
    06World Series Champion
    07Leadership with the Red Sox
    08Versatility and Adaptability
    09Career Statistics
    10Postseason Performance
    11Enrique Hernandez: A Versatile Star

    Early Life and Family

    Enrique Hernández, affectionately known as Kiké, has a rich cultural background and a family deeply rooted in baseball.

    1. 01Born on August 24, 1991, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
    2. 02His father, Enrique Hernández Sr., is a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
    3. 03His mother, Mónica González, owns a boutique in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
    4. 04His mother is Cuban, adding a diverse cultural background to his upbringing.
    5. 05Began playing baseball at the age of six.
    6. 06Participated in international youth tournaments in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

    High School and Draft

    Hernández's high school years and draft into MLB were pivotal moments in his career.

    1. 07Attended the American Military Academy in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
    2. 08Grew from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 11 inches during his senior year.
    3. 09Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 6th round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft.
    4. 10Played for various minor league teams, including the Lancaster JetHawks and Corpus Christi Hooks.

    MLB Debut and Early Career

    Hernández's journey in the MLB began with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he quickly made a name for himself.

    1. 11Made his MLB debut on July 1, 2014, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    2. 12Traded to the Dodgers in December 2014 along with Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes, and Andrew Heaney.
    3. 13Played in 76 games for the Dodgers in 2015, batting .307/.346/.490.
    4. 14Led all MLB hitters in batting average against left-handers in 2015, at .423.
    5. 15Known for his sense of humor, often seen wearing a banana suit in the dugout.

    Struggles and Comebacks

    Every athlete faces challenges, and Hernández's career had its ups and downs.

    1. 16Struggled in the 2016 season, hitting only .190/.283/.324.
    2. 17Left off the roster for the first round of the 2016 playoffs.
    3. 18Rebounded in 2017, batting .215/.308/.421 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs.
    4. 19Played at least one inning at every position except pitcher or catcher in 2017.
    5. 20Hit a game-tying solo home run in Game 7 of the 2017 National League Championship Series.

    Postseason Heroics

    Hernández has a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations, especially during the postseason.

    1. 21Helped send the Dodgers to the World Series in 2017 for the first time since 1988.
    2. 22Had three hits in 13 at-bats in the 2017 World Series.
    3. 23Agreed to a one-year, $5.9 million contract with the Dodgers before the 2020 season.
    4. 24Played in 48 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
    5. 25Became the first player to pinch-hit a game-tying or go-ahead home run in a winner-take-all postseason game.

    World Series Champion

    Winning the World Series is the pinnacle of any baseball player's career, and Hernández achieved this milestone.

    1. 26Had 14 at-bats in the 2020 National League Championship Series, with four hits.
    2. 27Contributed two hits in 10 at-bats in the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
    3. 28The Dodgers won the 2020 World Series, marking a significant achievement in his career.

    Leadership with the Red Sox

    Hernández's leadership qualities shone through during his time with the Boston Red Sox.

    1. 29Emerged as a leader in the Red Sox clubhouse in 2023.
    2. 30Played a role in recruiting former Dodgers teammates Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen to Boston.
    3. 31Initially named the Red Sox starting shortstop in 2023.
    4. 32Led the majors with 14 errors before being moved off the position due to injuries.
    5. 33Played in 86 games for the Red Sox in 2023, batting .222 with six home runs and 31 RBIs.

    Versatility and Adaptability

    Hernández's ability to play multiple positions has been a hallmark of his career.

    1. 34Known for his versatility, playing outfielder, second baseman, and shortstop.
    2. 35Bats right-handed and throws right-handed.
    3. 36Career batting average of .237 in the MLB.
    4. 37Has hit 114 home runs in his MLB career.
    5. 38Driven in 435 runs in his MLB career.

    Career Statistics

    Hernández's career stats reflect his consistent performance and contributions to the game.

    1. 39Accumulated 786 hits in his MLB career.
    2. 40On-base plus slugging (OPS) of .713 in his MLB career.
    3. 41Played in four games in the 2024 season, batting .229 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs.
    4. 42Minor league batting average of .269 with 40 home runs and 236 RBIs.
    5. 43Advanced batting statistics include an on-base percentage (OBP) of .308 and a slugging percentage (SLG) of .415.

    Postseason Performance

    Hernández's postseason performance has been crucial to his teams' successes.

    1. 44Career postseason batting average of .231.
    2. 45Hit 10 home runs in the postseason.
    3. 46Driven in 20 runs in the postseason.
    4. 47Accumulated 34 hits in the postseason.
    5. 48Played in 14 postseason games.
    6. 49Had two hits in 10 at-bats in the 2020 World Series.
    7. 50Batting average of .200 in the World Series, with one home run contributing to the Dodgers' championship win in 2020.

    Enrique Hernandez: A Versatile Star

    Enrique Hernandez, known as Kiké, has carved out a remarkable career in MLB. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he began playing baseball at six and quickly showed promise. Drafted by the Houston Astros in 2009, his journey took off when he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014. Hernandez's versatility on the field, playing multiple positions, and his clutch hitting have made him a standout player. Notably, his performances in the 2017 and 2020 postseasons were crucial for the Dodgers. In 2023, he emerged as a leader for the Boston Red Sox, showcasing his adaptability and leadership. With a career batting average of .237 and 120 home runs, Hernandez's impact on the game is undeniable. His journey from Puerto Rico to MLB stardom is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Enrique Hernandez?
    Enrique Hernandez, often known as "Kiké," is a professional baseball player known for his versatility on the field. He's played for several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, showcasing skills in various positions, making him a valuable asset to his squads.
    What makes Enrique Hernandez stand out in baseball?
    His ability to play multiple positions with proficiency sets him apart. Not many players can seamlessly transition between infield and outfield spots like Hernandez does. This flexibility allows his team to utilize him in various game situations, enhancing their overall strategy.
    Has Enrique Hernandez won any awards or championships?
    Yes, indeed! Throughout his career, Hernandez has been part of teams that have clinched division titles and even a World Series championship. His contributions in crucial games, especially during postseason play, have earned him accolades and recognition among fans and peers.
    What's a memorable moment from Enrique Hernandez's career?
    One standout moment was during the 2017 postseason when he hit three home runs in a single game. This incredible performance not only showcased his power at the plate but also helped his team secure a victory in a critical playoff matchup.
    How can fans follow Enrique Hernandez's career?
    Fans can keep up with Hernandez through various social media platforms where he's quite active. He often shares insights into his personal life, training routines, and game-day experiences. Additionally, following MLB's official channels and his current team's social media accounts can provide updates on his professional journey.
    What's Enrique Hernandez's background?
    Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Hernandez's passion for baseball was evident from a young age. His talent and hard work through high school and amateur leagues caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the MLB Draft. His heritage and upbringing remain a significant part of his identity, often reflected in his community involvement and public appearances.
    How does Enrique Hernandez contribute off the field?
    Beyond his athletic achievements, Hernandez is known for his charitable work and community engagement. He's actively involved in initiatives aimed at helping underprivileged children, disaster relief efforts, and promoting sports among youth in his home country of Puerto Rico.

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