Former Major League player Tony Fernandez has passed away at the age of 57. He was hospitalized in his native Dominican Republic with kidney problems and also suffered a stroke. Fernandez’s family apparently elected to remove him from life support.
Tony Fernandez, talented infielder, RIP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 16, 2020
Former Toronto Blue Jays star Tony Fernandez Passes Away
Tony Fernandez’s Career
Tony Fernandez had a 17-year career with his slash line of .288/.347/.399. He hit 94 HR and drove in 844 runs while scoring 1,057 runs. Fernandez also hit 414 doubles, 92 triples and stole 246 bases in a very well rounded career. He also won four consecutive Gold Glove awards at shortstop and was a five-time all-star.
In 150 postseason at-bats, Fernandez had a slash line of .327/.367/.420. Fernandez also hit one HR and drove in 23 runs while scoring 13 times.
Tony Fernandez was one of the greatest Toronto Blue Jays players of all time having spent 12 seasons north of the border. He also has played for both the New York Mets and New York Yankees. Some of the other teams Fernandez played for were the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers.
In 1996 as a Yankee Fernandez suffered an injury. As a result of the injury, the Yankees called up future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and the rest is history.
The Trade
Tony Fernandez was involved in one of the best trades in Major League history. Following the 1990 season, Fernandez was traded along with Fred McGriff to the Padres for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter.
Fernandez only played two seasons with the Padres but Alomar and Carter were integral parts of the Blue Jays back to back World Series champion teams in 1992-93. Carter hit one of the most memorable HR in the history of baseball. Fernandez also was on the 1993 championship team.
A Blue Jays Legend
Tony Fernandez has long been a fan favorite in Toronto. He made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 1983 at 21 years old. Fernandez is honored on the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence inside the Rogers Center.
Fernandez had four stints with the Blue Jays. His last stint was in 2001 where he was able to retire as a Blue Jay. He is the best shortstop in Toronto Blue Jays history.
Main Photo: 23 Aug 1999: Tony Fernandez #1 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to a base during a game against the Oakland Athletics at the Network Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Blue Jays defeated the A’s 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
