Tony Fernandez
Signed as a skinny 17-year old out of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, shortstop Tony Fernandez ended up collecting more hits in the big leagues than any other player born in that tiny island nation. With an unconventional sidearm throwing technique and smooth gliding upright strides, Fernandez was an All-Star with the Blue Jays in his 20s and later again at the age of 37 back with Toronto after spending time with five other teams. He won four Gold Gloves and was a member of the Jays 1993 World Series title team.
Played For
Toronto Blue Jays (1983-1990)
San Diego Padres (1991-1992)
New York Mets (1993)
Toronto Blue Jays (1993)
Cincinnati Reds (1994)
New York Yankees (1995)
Cleveland Indians (1997)
Toronto Blue Jays (1998-1999)
Milwaukee Brewers (2001)
Toronto Blue Jays (2001)
All-Time Rankings
Tony Fernandez ranks #39 among the Top 50 all-time at SS. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1987
In 1986, Fernandez had his only 200-hit season, but he was more effective offensively in 1987, batting .322 with 32 stolen bases. He also won a Gold Glove.
Factoids
In 1986, Tony Fernandez collected 212 hits as a shortstop, setting a record for a player at that position.
Tony Fernandez was the last regular shortstop for the Yankees prior to the emergence of Derek Jeter in that role.
Born
Octavio Antonio (Castro) Fernandez was born on June 30, 1962, in San Pedro de Macoris
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Primary Position: SS
Primary Team: TOR
Major League Debut
September 2, 1983
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1983
Joe Carter
Tony Fernandez
Greg Gagne
Juan Samuel
Darryl Strawberry
Orel Hershiser
Ron Darling
Danny Jackson
Harold Reynolds
Nicknames
Mr. Gadget
Similar Players
None
Related Players
Rod Carew gave fernandez batting advice at various times during his career.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 2007 |
BBWAA |
4 |
.7% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1985 American League Championship Series
1989 American League Championship Series
1993 American League Championship Series
1993 World Series
1995 American League Divisional Series
1997 American League Championship Series
1997 American League Divisional Series
1997 World Series
Post-Season Notes
In Game Seven of the 1997 World Series, with the Indians leading by a run, Fernandez booted a ball at second base that helped lead to the rally that helped the Marlins win the game.
Awards and Honors
1986 AL Gold Glove
1987 AL Gold Glove
1988 AL Gold Glove
1989 AL Gold Glove
Batting Feats
- September 3, 1995: Cycle...
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Detroit's Bill Madlock barrelled into Fernandez in the last week of the 1987 season, injuring the shortstop's knee and keeping him out the rest of the season. It proved critical, as the Tigers nipped the Blue Jays by two games and won the AL East after trailing entering the final weekend series... In 1989, Fernandez was hit in the face by a pitch from Cecilio Guante and had to have facial surgery to repair the damage... Suffered knee injuries in his early 30s and his knees bothered him the remainder of his career.
Hitting Streaks
19 games (1992)
All-Star Selections
1986 AL
1987 AL
1989 AL
1992 NL
1999 AL
Replaced
Blue Jay shortstop Alfredo Griffin, also born in the Dominican Republic. Griffin was a fine defensive infielder, but he couldn't hit nearly as well as Fernandez.
Replaced By
For 15 of their first 17 years of existence, the Toronto Blue Jays had a Dominican player at shortstop. First it was Alfredo Griffin, from 1979-1984. Fernandez was the starter from 1985 until his trade to the Padres after the 1990 season. Then it was Manny Lee, and then, Fernandez again in 1993 after he was re-acquired by the Jays from the Mets. After jaunting off to a few other teams once again, Fernandez was back as the Blue Jays starting second baseman in 1998, and third baseman in 1999. Dominican Tony Batista was at third for Toronto in 2000.
Best Strength as a Player
Hitting for average and defensive range.
Largest Weakness as a Player
He was a poor basestealer and of course, as is often the case with players from the Dominican, he was impatient at the plate.
Learn More about Tony Fernandez
Search Amazon.com for Books about Tony Fernandez ⇒
Search for Tony Fernandez at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
