Sad news from the World of Major League Baseball as former shortstop Tony Fernandez has passed away at 57. He suffered a stroke that put him in a coma a few weeks ago, after being treated for kidney disease.
Fernandez played in the Major Leagues for 17 seasons. Twelve of those seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, including his first eight as a big leaguer. He rejoined them after a trade before the trade deadline in 1993. Lucky for him, as he was part of that season’s World Series-winning Blue Jays team, that included Joe Carter, Paul Molitor, and Rickey Henderson. It was his only World Series Championship.
The five-time All-Star also played for the Padres, Mets, Yankees, Reds, Indians, and Brewers.
He won four straight Gold Glove Awards from 1986 through 1989. He posted a career .978 fielding percentage. Although prominently a shortstop, Fernandez also spent time at second base as well as third.
The switch hitter was a career .288 hitter and had five seasons where he hit better than .300.
Former teammates have taken to social media.
RIP for my former @BlueJays teammate Tony Fernandez …remarkable player (5 time All Star – 4 Gold Gloves) …kind, gentle giant of a man. Soft spoken and a true professional. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/YlbL7L0rsc
— Dan Plesac (@Plesac19) February 16, 2020
My heart is so heavy at the loss of former teammate, friend, and Champion Tony Fernandez. My prayers go out to his wife and their entire family. I will never forget this man. He influenced my life in a positive way. He made everyone around him better. RIP my brother. pic.twitter.com/lMZpgYqKed
— Todd Stottlemyre (@ToddStottlemyre) February 16, 2020
Rest In Peace legendary Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernandez. Our thoughts and prays are with your family and your legacy as a Blue Jay will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/afXz1tmsg2
— Toronto Blue Jays (@T0r0nt0BlueJays) February 16, 2020
We join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Tony Fernández.
Tony's game-winning home run in the top of the 11th inning in game 6 of the 1997 ALCS sent us to the World Series.
Tony will be remembered as a kind man who was enjoyable to work with. pic.twitter.com/V8mw7zNo8x
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 16, 2020
