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Did Keith Hernandez Win an MVP Award?
Keith Hernandez, a name synonymous with excellence in Major League Baseball (MLB), is often remembered for his stellar defensive skills and offensive prowess. As a first baseman, he played a pivotal role in the success of the teams he represented, particularly the New York Mets. However, one question that often arises among baseball fans is whether Hernandez ever won the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award during his illustrious career. This article delves into Hernandez’s career, his achievements, and the reasons why he did not secure an MVP award.
The Career of Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez was born on October 20, 1953, in San Francisco, California. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971 and made his MLB debut in 1974. Over the next two decades, Hernandez established himself as one of the premier first basemen in baseball history. His career statistics are impressive:
- Batting Average: .296
- Home Runs: 162
- Runs Batted In (RBIs): 1,071
- On-Base Percentage: .384
- Gold Glove Awards: 11
Hernandez’s ability to hit for average while also providing power made him a valuable asset to his teams. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1974 to 1983 and then for the New York Mets from 1983 to 1989. During his time with the Mets, he was instrumental in leading the team to a World Series championship in 1986.
Notable Achievements and Awards
While Hernandez never won an MVP award, he did receive numerous accolades throughout his career that highlight his contributions to the game:
- Two-time All-Star (1979, 1980)
- Five-time Silver Slugger Award winner
- Inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1990
- Inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014
Hernandez’s defensive skills were particularly noteworthy. He was known for his exceptional fielding ability, which earned him 11 Gold Glove Awards, a record for first basemen at the time. His defensive prowess often overshadowed his offensive contributions, which may have played a role in his MVP candidacy.
The MVP Race: A Closer Look
Despite his impressive statistics and contributions to his teams, Hernandez never won the MVP award. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Competition: The MVP award is highly competitive, and Hernandez played during an era with many other outstanding players, including Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Dale Murphy, who often dominated the MVP discussions.
- Perception of Value: The MVP award is often awarded to players with eye-popping offensive numbers. While Hernandez was an excellent hitter, his numbers were sometimes overshadowed by those of players who hit more home runs or had higher RBIs.
- Defensive Metrics: At the time, defensive metrics were not as advanced as they are today. Hernandez’s defensive contributions may not have been fully appreciated by MVP voters, who often focused primarily on offensive statistics.
In 1979, Hernandez finished third in the MVP voting, a testament to his strong performance that season. He posted a .344 batting average, 11 home runs, and 105 RBIs, but ultimately lost out to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Mike Schmidt.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the MVP
While Keith Hernandez never won an MVP award, his legacy in baseball is undeniable. His contributions to the game, both offensively and defensively, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Hernandez’s ability to excel in various aspects of the game, combined with his leadership qualities, made him a valuable player and a beloved figure among fans.
In summary, Keith Hernandez’s career is a testament to the idea that greatness can be measured in many ways. While the MVP award is a prestigious honor, it does not define a player’s impact on the game. Hernandez’s achievements, including his multiple All-Star selections and Gold Glove awards, showcase a player who was truly valuable to his teams and the sport of baseball as a whole.
For more information on Keith Hernandez and his career, you can visit the Baseball Reference page.
