Why being in Puerto Rico for the WBC meant so much to Kiké Hernández
PHOENIX — A three-time World Series champion, Dodgers utilityman Kiké Hernández had his share of hits, home runs and series-defining moments that will forever be etched in baseball history.
However, earlier this month he witnessed something new.
On March 7, hours after Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies hit the first home run in World Baseball Classic history to propel Team Netherlands past Nicaragua in Miami, Athletics prospect Darell Hernaiz delivered a game-winning blast of his own to lift Team Puerto Rico against Panama in extra innings in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Hernández stormed out of the Hiram Bithorn Stadium dugout alongside his teammates to greet Hernaiz at home plate and celebrate the monumental shot to the moon.
“There has never been a tour in the history of the WBC, and we [got] “For me personally, I was running toward home plate, aware that I wasn’t necessarily part of the team, so I couldn’t run laps around home plate, like I did on Freddie. [Freeman’s] faultless circuits [in the World Series]but it’s still there as one of those really cool moments that I’ll always remember.
Unable to participate in this year’s WBC while recovering from offseason surgery on his left elbow, Hernández left Dodgers camp to spend the first stage of the tournament with Team Puerto Rico.
“I was able to experience it in a different way this year,” said Hernández, who played twice in the WBC. “I was just there as a fan, almost in a coaching role. I get a lot more nervous when I’m not playing, because I really have no power over it. I have no control over what happens, so it was pretty nerve-wracking.”
He added: “Obviously seeing that stadium full was pretty special. And of course I’m still disappointed that I can’t be a part of it, but I still support my people and I still hope they can win.”
At a Puerto Rico team press conference last week, Hernández told reporters in Spanish that the WBC was superior to the World Series. Hernández, who appeared in five World Series, expanded on his statement.
“I said it was bigger,” Hernández said. “I didn’t say it was bigger. Atmosphere, crowd, you represent your country. You don’t represent a city. You don’t always choose who you play for. Sometimes it’s out of your control and you know, when you represent your country, you play with your friends. Sometimes you play with people that you grew up with. Your people back home support you, sometimes.
“You play in the United States, you play for different teams, and sometimes they oppose you. And for us, coming from our little island, the things that we can do for our island while the tournament is going on, it becomes way bigger than baseball, to the point that it’s not always the case when you’re playing for a Major League Baseball organization.”
Hernández will be in Houston for Puerto Rico’s quarterfinal match against Italy on Saturday, and he said he doesn’t know if he will go to Miami if Puerto Rico reaches the semifinals.
“I haven’t had a conversation with Andrew yet,” Hernández said, referring to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “I only asked permission to go to Houston. We win in Houston, he might get another text if I can go with him, but I haven’t decided yet.”
As for his rehabilitation after surgery, Hernández said he is progressing quickly and hopes to return at the end of May, when his 60-day IL stay expires.
“I’m not surprised it’s going well,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Late May, early June is probably a safe bet. Something like that.”
