The first team Captain of the New York Mets is the 95th inductee into the Baseball Hall of Immortals.
A 42nd round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, Keith Hernandez was called up to major leagues in 1974. It would be 2 years before he established himself as the Cardinals everyday first baseman. Ironically, the Cardinals traded Joe Torre to the Mets to make room at first for Hernandez.
More of a contact hitter than a traditional power hitter, Hernandez hit over .300 seven times in his career, leading the league in 1979 with a .344 batting average. He also led the league in runs scored and doubles that year, made his first All-Star team, and won the MVP award, sharing it with Willie Stargell (the only time the award has been shared).
While Hernandez could be counted on to reach base, it was with his glove that he excelled. Winning his first Gold Glove in 1978, he would go on to win 11 of them, more than any first baseman in MLB history. His ability to cover the right side of the infield was unmatched – nobody could field bunts or turn 3-6-3 double plays as easily or gracefully as Hernandez.
Traded to the Mets in 1983, he would help to turn the team around, providing veteran leadership to the young club and leading them to their first World Series title in 17 years.
Hernandez retired after the 1990 season with a .296 lifetime batting average, 5 All Star appearances, and 11 Gold Gloves. He ranks 4th all-time in assists as a first baseman, and 10th in double plays turned.
The greatest defensive first baseman in at least 50 years, Keith Hernandez is an Immortal.
For some background on what this is, check out the introduction post here.
