Willie Hernandez

Guillermo Hernandez Villanueva
also played as Guillermo Hernandez

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 3", Weight 180 lb.
• High School Escuela Segunda Unidad Martin Hernandez
• Debut April 9, 1977
• Final Game August 18, 1989
• Born November 14, 1954 in Aguada, P.R.
• Died November 20, 2023 in Sebring, FL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Willie Hernandez was on the Puerto Rican national team; his SABR BioProject bio said he was with them for the 1973 Intercontinental Cup (when they won Silver), 1973 FIBA Amateur World Series (Bronze) and 1973 FEMBA Amateur World Series (Silver); as the latter two events overlapped, it is highly unlikely he appeared in both. He is not listed on the FIBA roster so presumably he was with them for the FEMBA vent only. He was originally signed by Philadelphia Phillies scout Rubén Amaro, Sr. but was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 1976 Rule V Draft. After several decent seasons with the Cubs, Hernandez was traded back to the Phillies in 1983.

His greatest success came with the Detroit Tigers from 1984 to 1989. In 1984, he won both the American League Most Valuable Player Award and the Cy Young Award as the Tigers won a World Championship.

Notable Achievements

• 3-time AL All-Star (1984-1986)
• AL MVP (1984)
• AL Cy Young Award Winner (1984)
• AL Games Pitched Leader (1984)
• 30 Saves Seasons: 2 (1984 & 1985)
• Won a World Series with the Detroit Tigers in 1984

AL MVP
1983	1984	1985
Cal Ripken, Jr	Willie Hernandez	Don Mattingly

AL Cy Young Award
1983	1984	1985
LaMarr Hoyt	Willie Hernandez	Bret Saberhagen

Further Reading

• Gary Gillette: "Willie Hernandez", in Mark Pattison and David Raglin, ed.: Detroit Tigers 1984: What A Start! What A Finish!, SABR Publications, Phoenix, AZ, 2012, pp. 82-90. ISBN 1933599448

Related Sites

• Willie Hernandez at the SABR Bio Project
• Obituary from ESPN