Hernandez appeared in only seven games for the Padres in 1977, going hitless in three at-bats after pretty much being a regular player for them five out the past six seasons.
In 1971, as a 22-year-old, he’s remembered as driving in only 12 run over the course of 549 at-bats and 618 plate appearances, setting a standard of run producing futility not seen since.
Nevertheless, he was the Padres primary shortstop through the 1976 season before those meager seven games in 1977.
In 1978 he’d find himself suiting up for the eventual National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers, but for only four games, the last of his Major League career.
All told, Hernandez hit .224 with 522 hits in 2327 at-bats in 714 games, scoring 241 runs and driving in 113, playing parts of eight seasons under the Big League sun.
