Former Detroit Tigers star pitcher Guillermo “Willie” Hernández, a celebrated figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), passed away at the age of 69. Hernández, a central figure in the Tigers’ 1984 World Series victory, died on November 21, 2023, at his home in Sebring, Florida.
Born on November 14, 1954, in Aguada, Puerto Rico, Hernández began his MLB career with the Philadelphia Phillies after being signed as an amateur free agent in 1973. He made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1977, launching a successful 13-year career that included stints with the Cubs, Phillies, and Tigers.
Hernández’s 1984 season with the Detroit Tigers stands out in baseball history. He won the American League (AL) Cy Young Award and the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, becoming one of only three players to achieve this feat in the same season. He posted a 1.92 ERA with 32 saves in 80 games, all in relief, and finished 68 games, showcasing his skill as a closer. During the postseason, Hernández was instrumental, appearing in three World Series games and recording two saves, including the final two innings of the championship-clinching Game 5.
Before joining the Tigers, Hernández played for the Cubs from 1977 to 1983 and briefly for the Phillies in 1983. The Tigers acquired him in a trade in March 1984, a move that proved pivotal for both Hernández and the team. His tenure with the Tigers, from 1984 to 1989, was marked by three All-Star selections and a 2.60 ERA across 218 games.
Over his career, Hernández compiled a 3.38 ERA with 147 saves and 788 strikeouts over 1,044⅔ innings in 744 games. His postseason record further highlights his prowess, with a 1.32 ERA and three saves in 10 games.
Hernández’s death has been mourned by the baseball community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates and fans alike. Alan Trammell, a Hall of Famer and former Tigers teammate, remembered Hernández as a great teammate and a key contributor to the Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship.
Funeral services for Hernández are expected to be held in his birthplace, Aguada, Puerto Rico. He had long-standing heart problems, including a pacemaker installed in 2009. Hernández’s legacy extends beyond his MLB achievements, as he was also inducted into the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame.
