Guillermo “Willie” Hernández, a former star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and a notable figure in Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 69. He died on November 21, 2023, at his home in Sebring, Florida.
Born in Aguada, Puerto Rico, on November 14, 1954, Hernández’s MLB career began with his signing by the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1973. He debuted in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1977, marking the start of an impactful 13-year career with the Cubs, Phillies, and Tigers.
The 1984 season was a landmark year for Hernández with the Detroit Tigers. He received the American League Cy Young Award and the Most Valuable Player Award, becoming one of the few players to win both in the same season. His remarkable performance included a 1.92 ERA, 32 saves in 80 games, and completing 68 games as a closer. Hernández played a critical role in the postseason, contributing significantly in three World Series games and securing two saves, including in the final innings of the championship Game 5.
Hernández’s MLB career before joining the Tigers included playing for the Cubs from 1977 to 1983 and a brief period with the Phillies in 1983. His acquisition by the Tigers in March 1984 was a key moment in his career. During his time with the Tigers from 1984 to 1989, he earned three All-Star selections and maintained a 2.60 ERA over 218 games.
Throughout his career, Hernández recorded a 3.38 ERA, 147 saves, and 788 strikeouts in 744 games, pitching a total of 1,044⅔ innings. His postseason performance was also notable, with a 1.32 ERA and three saves in 10 games.
The passing of Hernández has been deeply felt in the baseball community, with many expressing their condolences, including former teammates and fans. Alan Trammell, a fellow Hall of Famer and teammate from the Tigers, recalled Hernández’s significant role in their 1984 World Series victory.
Funeral services for Hernández were organized in his native Aguada, Puerto Rico. He had faced persistent heart issues, including the installation of a pacemaker in 2009.
Beyond his MLB achievements, Hernández is also remembered for his induction into the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame.
