Why Keith Hernandez Was Drafted So Low: The Mechanics Behind a Young Talent’s Journey

Keith Hernandez, the legendary first baseman of Major League Baseball (MLB), was drafted in 1971 with a surprisingly low pick. At 17 years old, he spent a considerable amount of time in the minors, excelling at the AAA level. Despite this, his journey to fame and of course, his eventual induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, is a fascinating tale worth exploring. Let's delve into the details of why these circumstances occurred and what they meant for his career trajectory.

The Context of Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez was born on February 21, 1953, and by his early teens, he had already shown promise as an athlete. However, his path to professional baseball was not straightforward. The 1971 MLB Draft came when Hernandez was just 17, and despite his early talent, his low draft position is often a subject of curiosity and debate among sports fans and analysts.

The Minors and AAA Performance

A significant portion of Hernandez's minor league career was spent at the AAA level, playing for the Springfield Cardinals. Here, he demonstrated exceptional hitting skills, posting a striking average of .337 with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .421. These stats were impressive despite the lack of notable power hitting, which is a typical trait for players drafted in high school at such a young age.

Physical Attributes and Role Constraints

Hernandez's left-handed throwing arm was a limiting factor, making him a fit for either first base or the outfield. Athletically gifted, Hernandez boasted significant speed and agility, skills that would later serve him well. However, his lack of speed made it challenging for him to play the outfield, a position that many young athletes aspire to play. This physical limitation put him in a challenging situation, as first basemen, especially those who do not hit for power, often struggle to find a stable spot in the MLB lineup.

Moreover, Hernandez’s throwing arm at first base, while not explicitly highlighted in his stats, was deemed unsuitable for the position. This scrutiny is part of what led to his low draft position. Typically, a player's ability to hit for average and produce is the primary focus, but in the case of Hernandez, other factors such as size, throwing ability, and overall skill set needed to be considered carefully.

The Behind-the-Scenes Journey

The answer to the dozens and dozens of questions about why players like Keith Hernandez were drafted low typically falls into several categories. These include being overlooked, being injured, not having played enough to make a fair judgment, or having some personal or professional baggage. In the case of many lesser-known players, their draft status might have been influenced by a combination of these factors, but for Hernandez, his unique skill set and limitations played a crucial role.

For a young athlete like Hernandez, the early drafting process can be confusing, especially when statistical data does not always paint a complete picture of a player's potential. Despite his low draft position, Hernandez's journey to the Major Leagues and his incredible success there is a testament to his skill, determination, and the supportive environment in which he thrived.

Conclusion

Keith Hernandez's story is a unique one in the history of MLB. Drafted at 17 with a low pick, his path to becoming a Hall of Famer is a remarkable journey that underscores the multifaceted nature of player development and the role of physical attributes in a baseball career. His experience serves as an important reminder that while statistical data is crucial, a player's overall character, physical attributes, and personal drive also play pivotal roles.

For anyone interested in the MLB Draft or careers of athletes, Hernandez's journey offers valuable insights. His story is one of perseverance and the reality that even early draft disappointments can lead to extraordinary achievements when passion and talent are combined with the right conditions.