LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the threat of an early postseason exit yet again, it was Kiké Hernández who stepped up to speak. Once hailed as a promising young role player for a team regularly in contention, Hernández was known for his blend of humor and talent, acting as a vital “glue guy” in the Dodgers’ dominance during the late 2010s.
After departing, he sought to prove himself as an everyday player but returned last July to the organization he knew well. This winter, however, free agency proved unkind to him, and it wasn’t until weeks into spring training that Hernández secured a contract with Los Angeles. His $4 million deal seemed modest amid the Dodgers’ billion-dollar offseason spending. For weeks, his performance lagged, and his role shifted.
Nonetheless, come October, Hernández has a way of transforming. He has clinched two pennants for the franchise with a single swing of the bat. When the Dodgers re-signed him, it was this transformative version they envisioned.
In the first three games of the National League Division Series, however, Hernández didn’t see a single start. He remained on the bench for Game 3 as the Dodgers fell behind 2-1 against the San Diego Padres, placing yet another promising season at risk of an abrupt ending.
Gathering together a mix of MVPs, All-Stars, and top prospects, Hernández delivered a powerful message.
“This is our one opportunity,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recalled Hernández declaring. “He was basically holding everyone accountable and testing their mettle.”
Mookie Betts emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “The key was to just keep fighting.” The Padres had created a testing environment for a Dodgers team hampered by injuries, pushing them to their limits. It was time for the Dodgers to remember the strengths that led them to possess the best record in baseball.
The essence of the message was straightforward.
F— ’em all.
Three nights later, a shirtless Hernández celebrated with Korbel and Budweiser amidst the frenzied atmosphere he had inspired.
Once again, October Kiké had risen, propelling the Dodgers ahead with a decisive swing, allowing them a lead they would not relinquish. The Dodgers’ 2-0 triumph in Game 5 solidified the moment and further fueled the momentum.
the legacy of one of this franchise’s most significant postseason heroes. The Dodgers completed a comeback from a 2-1 deficit. Now, they face the upstart New York Mets in the National League Championship Series.
The Dodgers had been haunted by consecutive October failures. Another misstep threatened to tarnish the legacy of this expensive and talented roster. They invested $1.4 billion, only to end up with fewer wins than the previous season. A 2-1 deficit seemed fated for a familiar outcome.
Yet, they persevered.
“This team,” Hernández remarked in a television interview, “doesn’t give a f—.”
“He might be the captain of that team,” said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations.
A team that embodies his philosophy is now just eight victories shy of a championship.
Before what he would describe as the greatest night of his baseball career, seven years ago, Hernández sought clarity through visualization. Previous October disappointments weighed heavily on him. Past at-bats replayed in his mind. With the 2017 Dodgers just one game from clinching a spot in the World Series, Hernández chose to focus on uplifting thoughts about what he would see and say when his moment arrived.
That night, he hit three home runs.
“I haven’t looked back since then,” Hernández expressed. The practice became routine. He visualized again before Game 4 on Wednesday, where he made his first start of the series and recorded two hits. Ahead of Thursday night’s decisive Game 5, he visualized once more.
“I kept reminding myself, they brought you here for a reason,” Hernández stated. “They brought you here to play in October. I’m eager to return and make a run with this team because I want to celebrate in a parade.”
He reiterated his boldness when he spoke to Friedman on the field before the game, declaring to the team’s architect, “I’m going to win you this game.”
As the team’s hitting coaches gathered to devise their strategy against Yu Darvish, Hernández chimed in. Darvish’s impressive array of pitches can be captivating. “Crafty,” was how Shohei Ohtani described him this week. “He has like 20 different pitches and 10 different pitching styles,” Max Muncy added. The Dodgers aimed to remain patient and aware of Darvish’s numerous off-speed pitches, waiting for any mistakes while looking for opportunities with runners on base.
This scenario had unfolded in the second inning of Game 2 when the Dodgers filled the bases with no outs but managed just one run, as Darvish went on to pitch seven innings in a commanding victory.
In preparation for Game 5, Hernández expressed his desire to focus on fastballs, feeling overwhelmed by the volume of off-speed pitches.
“They were quite adamant about disagreeing with me,” Hernández noted.
He didn’t have to wait long for what he sought. Darvish delivered a first-pitch fastball right down the middle in Hernández’s initial at-bat.
Hernández smashed it. The sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium erupted in cheers. This 14th career postseason home run might have been his most anticipated.
“He’s not intimidated by the moment,” hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc remarked. “He’s present. He prepares thoroughly. His confidence stems from that preparation, and he trusts it.”
“Kiké hitting a homer and making crucial plays is probably the least surprising thing of the night.”
“the night,” remarked Gavin Lux.
“It’s something truly special,” said Anthony Banda. “He’s made for October.”
“Some players are just made for the moment,” noted Muncy. “I can’t explain it, but he possesses that quality.”
The turnaround that salvaged Hernández’s season began with a simple suggestion. Martín Maldonado, a veteran major league catcher and Hernández’s teammate on Puerto Rico’s roster in previous World Baseball Classics, mentioned during a summer chat that he and several teammates had needed glasses for vision issues often overlooked in a routine annual physical at spring training. He encouraged Hernández to get his eyes checked, as well.
The recommendation proved beneficial: Hernández was diagnosed with astigmatism in his right eye and subsequently fitted for glasses that he has worn ever since.
“I didn’t really grasp that I was seeing the pitch’s shape rather than its spin or rotation,” Hernández explained last month. “I have no idea how long it had been that way. … It was such a minor detail that you don’t notice in your daily life. It was difficult to realize.”
Kiké Hernández: “We didn’t come here to win the NL West. We came here to win the World Series.”
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) October 11, 2024
The glasses offered him a new perspective and a renewed outlook on what had been shaping up to be yet another disappointing season. Prior to the All-Star break and his choice to wear glasses regularly on the field, Hernández struggled, batting only .191 and particularly having trouble with breaking balls. After the break, he improved to .274, regaining his best form with an .821 OPS in September, which helped cement his position in the Dodgers’ roster plans.
Little did they know the significance of that improvement.
“That’s why you persevere through the regular season with Kiké,” Roberts stated. “Because you know when it counts, you’ll have the best version of him.”
A defiant chant filled the air amid the celebration, surrounded by bubbly and cigar smoke. As his teammates called out his name, Hernández sprayed champagne while a playlist featured Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, replayed once, and then again.
“They not like us.”
The echoes of previous October failures have lingered with the Dodgers, particularly when up against their familiar and formidable division rival, the star-studded Padres. Perhaps these past wounds have only strengthened their bond.
Despite a severely sprained ankle that would typically have sidelined him, Freddie Freeman made 14 at-bats during this series. Similarly, Miguel Rojas sat out the last two games due to a re-injury of a torn adductor that he had been playing through for months. Their pitching rotation has struggled with injuries. The rigors of the division race have toughened them.
“We carry a lot of ‘F U’ in us,” Hernández noted. “We have numerous players, a group of determined men, all wanting to win at any cost, no matter the situation or the appearance.”
Facing elimination did little to loom over them. Laughter echoed through the visiting clubhouse at Petco Park before Wednesday’s Game 4. In the discussions leading up to a decisive Game 5, there were even mini-golf rounds happening.
“Everyone just kept saying, don’t stress about it,” Muncy recalled. “We’re going to win tonight. … There was no doubt in our minds that we would win the game.”
Actually pulling off the win, Muncy admitted, felt like a relief. Teoscar Hernández also contributed with a home run of his own in the seventh, adding to Kiké’s success as they moved forward together.
With Yamamoto leading the way and a lineup of Dodgers relievers, the team managed to shut out the Padres for the second game in a row, concluding the series with an impressive 24 consecutive scoreless innings.
As he enjoyed the celebration, Muncy amplified Hernández’s message.
“We understand our identity,” Muncy declared. “We’re the f—ing best team in baseball, and we’re here to demonstrate it.”
(Photo of Kiké Hernández: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)
Kiké Hernández: The Resilient Catalyst Behind the Dodgers’ October Comeback
Kiké Hernández has emerged as a pivotal player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, especially during October when the pressure is at its peak. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a resilient catalyst for the team’s recent comebacks in the postseason. In this article, we will explore Hernández’s journey, his contributions to the Dodgers’ successes, and how his tenacity serves as an inspiration for both players and fans alike.
The Early Days: From the Minors to the Majors
Kiké Hernández, born on August 24, 1991, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, began his professional baseball journey in the minor leagues. Drafted by the Houston Astros in 2009, he quickly made a name for himself with his versatility and dynamic skill set. Here’s a brief timeline of his early career:
| Year | Team | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Houston Astros (Rookie) | Drafted in the 6th round |
| 2013 | Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Debut) | Promoted to the majors |
| 2015 | Los Angeles Dodgers | First multi-home run game |
Hernández’s Impact in October: A Clutch Performer
During the postseason, the intensity of the game increases, and players are often defined by their ability to deliver in crucial moments. Kiké Hernández has consistently stepped up when it matters most, making him a key player in the Dodgers’ October success stories. Here are some remarkable statistics that showcase his performance in the postseason:
- Home Runs: Hernández has a knack for hitting critical home runs, often turning the tide in favor of his team.
- Batting Average: His postseason batting average often exceeds that of his regular season performance, showcasing his clutch capability.
- Versatility: Hernández is known for playing multiple positions, allowing manager Dave Roberts to optimize the lineup during the playoffs.
Defining Moments in the Playoffs
In recent playoff appearances, Hernández has created defining moments that fans will remember for years to come. Here are a few highlight moments:
- 2020 NLDS: Hernández hit a pivotal home run against the San Diego Padres that shifted the momentum of the series.
- 2021 NLCS: In game 3, he delivered a multi-hit game, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ victory.
- 2022 Wild Card Game: Hernández’s defensive plays and timely hits were crucial in clinching the series.
Benefits of Having a Player Like Kiké Hernández
Hernández’s presence on the roster offers numerous advantages for the Dodgers. Here are some key benefits:
- Leadership: His experience in high-stakes games provides younger players with a reliable mentor.
- Team Chemistry: Hernández is known for his positive attitude and energy, fostering a supportive environment in the clubhouse.
- Strategic Flexibility: His ability to play various positions allows managers more options for strategic lineups.
Case Studies: Teams that Thrived with Versatile Players
Throughout baseball history, teams that have thrived often possessed players with versatility and resilience. Here are some case studies of teams that have seen success thanks to such players:
| Team | Versatile Player | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | Utility players like Enrique Wilson | Multiple World Series Championships |
| San Francisco Giants | Ben Zobrist | 2016 World Series Title |
| Cincinnati Reds | Brandon Phillips | Two-time All-Star, strong postseason performances |
First-Hand Experience: What Teammates Say About Kiké
Teammates often reflect on the influence Kiké Hernández has on and off the field. His energy and determination resonate with his peers. Here are some testimonials from fellow Dodgers:
“Kiké is one of those guys you want in your corner during tough games. His ability to stay calm and focused is contagious.” – Corey Seager
“He brings a unique spirit to the clubhouse. You can always count on him to bring his best when it matters.” – Justin Turner
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players Inspired by Kiké Hernández
Younger players looking to emulate Kiké’s success can benefit from the following tips:
- Work on Versatility: Practice playing multiple positions to increase your value on the team.
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude during challenges; it builds team morale.
- Focus on the Fundamentals: A solid foundation in the basics can make a significant difference in high-pressure situations.
Final Thoughts on Kiké Hernández’s Legacy
As we continue to witness the impact Kiké Hernández has on the Dodgers, it becomes increasingly clear that he is more than just a player; he is a leader and a source of inspiration. His resilience and clutch performances in October solidify his place as a crucial component of the Dodgers’ quest for postseason glory. Whether through his exceptional play, leadership qualities, or positive energy, Hernández embodies what it means to be a successful athlete in the competitive realm of Major League Baseball.
