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

Early Life and Family

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

Born on August 24, 1991, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
His father, Enrique Hernández Sr., is a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
His mother, Mónica González, owns a boutique in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
His mother is Cuban, adding a diverse cultural background to his upbringing.
Began playing baseball at the age of six.
Participated 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.

Attended the American Military Academy in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
Grew from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 11 inches during his senior year.
Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 6th round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft.
Played 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.

Made his MLB debut on July 1, 2014, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Traded to the Dodgers in December 2014 along with Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes, and Andrew Heaney.
Played in 76 games for the Dodgers in 2015, batting .307/.346/.490.
Led all MLB hitters in batting average against left-handers in 2015, at .423.
Known 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.

Struggled in the 2016 season, hitting only .190/.283/.324.
Left off the roster for the first round of the 2016 playoffs.
Rebounded in 2017, batting .215/.308/.421 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs.
Played at least one inning at every position except pitcher or catcher in 2017.
Hit 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.

Helped send the Dodgers to the World Series in 2017 for the first time since 1988.
Had three hits in 13 at-bats in the 2017 World Series.
Agreed to a one-year, $5.9 million contract with the Dodgers before the 2020 season.
Played in 48 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Became 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.

Had 14 at-bats in the 2020 National League Championship Series, with four hits.
Contributed two hits in 10 at-bats in the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 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.

Emerged as a leader in the Red Sox clubhouse in 2023.
Played a role in recruiting former Dodgers teammates Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen to Boston.
Initially named the Red Sox starting shortstop in 2023.
Led the majors with 14 errors before being moved off the position due to injuries.
Played 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.

Known for his versatility, playing outfielder, second baseman, and shortstop.
Bats right-handed and throws right-handed.
Career batting average of .237 in the MLB.
Has hit 114 home runs in his MLB career.
Driven in 435 runs in his MLB career.

Career Statistics

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

Accumulated 786 hits in his MLB career.
On-base plus slugging (OPS) of .713 in his MLB career.
Played in four games in the 2024 season, batting .229 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs.
Minor league batting average of .269 with 40 home runs and 236 RBIs.
Advanced 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.

Career postseason batting average of .231.
Hit 10 home runs in the postseason.
Driven in 20 runs in the postseason.
Accumulated 34 hits in the postseason.
Played in 14 postseason games.
Had two hits in 10 at-bats in the 2020 World Series.
Batting 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

QWho 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.

QWhat 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.

QHas 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.

QWhat'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.

QHow 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.

QWhat'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.

QHow 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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