Orlando Hernández facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Orlando Hernández
Hernández with the New York Mets in 2007
Pitcher
Born: (1965-10-11) October 11, 1965 (age 59) Villa Clara, Cuba
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
June 3, 1998, for the New York Yankees
Last appearance
September 30, 2007, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	90–65
Earned run average	4.13
Strikeouts	1,086
Teams
New York Yankees (1998–2002, 2004) Chicago White Sox (2005) Arizona Diamondbacks (2006) New York Mets (2006–2007)
Career highlights and awards
4× World Series champion (1998–2000, 2005) ALCS MVP (1999)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  Cuba Olympic Games Gold 1992 Barcelona Team Baseball World Cup Gold 1988 Rome Team Gold 1990 Edmonton Team Gold 1994 Managua Team Intercontinental Cup Gold 1993 Italy Team Gold 1995 Havana Team Pan American Games Gold 1995 Mar del Plata Team Central American and Caribbean Games Gold 1993 Ponce Team Goodwill Games Gold 1990 Seattle Team

Orlando Hernández Pedroso (born October 11, 1965), often called "El Duque" (which means "The Duke" in Spanish), is a retired professional baseball pitcher from Cuba. He was known for his unique pitching style and his success in big games.

Orlando played for the Industriales team in Cuba and for the Cuban national baseball team. Later, he joined Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. He played for famous teams like the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets.

He was a key player for the Yankees when they won three World Series in a row from 1998 to 2000. He also won another World Series with the Chicago White Sox in 2005. Orlando Hernández was the first baseball player to win both an Olympic gold medal and a World Series title.

Early Baseball Career in Cuba

Orlando Hernández played for the Industriales team in Havana, Cuba. He helped them win the Cuban National Series championship in 1992 and 1996. Over ten years in Cuba, he had an impressive record of 126 wins and only 47 losses.

He was also a big part of the Cuba national baseball team. He won a gold medal with the team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Leaving Cuba

In 1995, Orlando's half-brother, Liván Hernández, left Cuba. After this, Orlando was not allowed to play for the Cuban national team in the 1996 Summer Olympics. He was later banned from Cuban baseball entirely.

On Christmas Day in 1997, Orlando left Cuba by boat. He was picked up by the U.S. Coast Guard near the Bahamas. After some time, he was offered a special way to enter the U.S. because of his unique athletic talent. However, he chose to go to Costa Rica first. This allowed him to sign a contract with any team in Major League Baseball. After two months, he joined the New York Yankees.

Playing in Major League Baseball

New York Yankees Years

1998: A Strong Start

In his first year in Major League Baseball in 1998, Orlando Hernández had a great season. He won 12 games and lost only 4. He helped the Yankees win the 1998 World Series against the San Diego Padres.

1999: Becoming an MVP

The year 1999 was one of Orlando's best. He won 17 games and had 157 strikeouts. In the American League Championship Series (ALCS), he pitched very well against the Boston Red Sox. He was named the ALCS Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the Yankees won the series. The Yankees then swept the Atlanta Braves in the 1999 World Series, with Orlando winning Game 1.

2000: Another World Series Title

In 2000, Orlando helped the Yankees win their third straight World Series title. They beat the New York Mets. From 1998 to 2000, Orlando was especially good in the playoffs, winning 8 games and losing only 1.

2001 and 2002 Seasons

In 2001, Orlando had a 4–7 record. The Yankees made it to the 2001 World Series again but lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2002, he finished with an 8–5 record. The Yankees reached the playoffs for the fifth year in a row but lost to the Anaheim Angels.

Injury and Return to Yankees

In 2003, Orlando was traded to the Montreal Expos. However, he missed the entire season due to a shoulder injury that needed surgery.

Hernández pitching for the Yankees in 2004.

He returned to the New York Yankees in 2004. He started 15 games and had a good record of 8 wins and 2 losses. The Yankees made the playoffs but lost to the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS.

Chicago White Sox and World Series Win

In 2005, Orlando played for the Chicago White Sox. He had a memorable moment in the playoffs against the Red Sox. He came into a tough situation with the bases loaded and no outs. He managed to get out of it without letting any runs score. The White Sox went on to win the 2005 World Series, their first championship since 1917.

Hernández with the White Sox in 2005

Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets

After the 2005 season, Orlando was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played nine games for them.

Hernández in 2006, demonstrating his distinctive leg kick

In May 2006, he was traded to the New York Mets. He did well with the Mets, helping them win their division. He even got his first career stolen base and drove in his first runs in MLB. However, he missed the playoffs due to a calf injury. He signed with the Mets again for 2007, but injuries limited his playing time. He had foot surgery and then a toe injury, which kept him from playing in 2008.

Later Career and Retirement

In 2009, Orlando signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. He played in their minor league system but was not called up to the major leagues. In 2010, he tried to make a comeback with the Washington Nationals organization, playing in their minor league teams.

Orlando Hernández officially retired from Major League Baseball on August 18, 2011.

Birth Year Discussion

When Orlando Hernández first signed with the Yankees in 1998, he said he was born in 1969. However, later documents showed he was born in 1965. Today, some baseball websites list his birth year as 1969, while others show 1965.

Other Career Highlights

Orlando Hernández won two Cuban National Series championships (1992 and 1996).

He has also participated in the Yankees' annual Old-Timers' Day events, starting in 2013.

See also

In Spanish: Orlando Hernández para niños