José Hernández, a Puerto Rican infielder, spent his Major League Baseball career with several teams, showcasing his skills primarily as a shortstop. Born on July 14, 1969, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, Hernández began his professional journey when he was signed by the Texas Rangers as an amateur free agent in 1987. His journey through the minor leagues culminated in his MLB debut with the Rangers in 1991.
Hernández's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1993. Although his time with the Indians was brief, it provided him with valuable experience and exposure. His next move was to the Chicago Cubs in 1994, where he began to establish himself as a reliable infielder. During his tenure with the Cubs, Hernández demonstrated his defensive prowess and ability to play multiple infield positions, including shortstop, second base, and third base.
In 1999, Hernández joined the Atlanta Braves, contributing to their infield depth. His stay in Atlanta was short-lived, as he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2000. It was with the Brewers that Hernández enjoyed some of his most productive years. He became known for his power-hitting ability, achieving a career-high 24 home runs in the 2002 season. That same year, he was selected to the National League All-Star team, a testament to his performance on the field.
Hernández's career continued with stints at several other teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His ability to adapt to different teams and roles was evident as he transitioned between starting and utility roles. In 2004, he returned to the Cleveland Indians, where he had a brief but impactful presence.
Throughout his career, Hernández was recognized for his strong arm and defensive skills. His ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for. Despite not being a high-average hitter, his power and defensive capabilities kept him in the major leagues for over a decade.
In 2006, Hernández played his final MLB season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
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