Former Blue Jays star shortstop Tony Fernandez dies at age 57

Tony Fernandez (Google Images)

One of the best shortstops in Toronto Blue Jays history has passed away. On Sunday, Tony Fernandez of San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic died at the age of 57 due to kidney failure and a stroke.

Fernandez was simply the heart of the Blue Jays middle infield in the 1980’s. His outstanding defense was simply magnificent as he made many remarkable plays on a consistent basis. As a result, Fernandez was a four-time American League gold glove winner from 1986 to 1989. He played with Toronto from 1983 to 1990, 1993, 1998-1999 and 2001.

Sure, Fernandez might not have had the wizardry of St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith or the amazing stamina of Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., but Fernandez was right up there with both of them for many Blue Jays fans across Canada.

Growing up in western Canada, it was the Blue Jays that I watched weekly on CTV every Sunday. It was Fernandez who simply stole the show.

After leading the Major Leagues in 1990 with 17 triples, when the Blue Jays traded Fernandez and Fred McGriff to the San Diego Padres, the deal at the time was not considered all that popular among Canadian baseball fans. However, no one can criticize Blue Jays manager Pat Gillick because the two players Toronto got back in return were superstars Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar. Both players were key in the Blue Jays World Series wins of 1992 and 1993.

In fact, the Blue Jays brought Fernandez back to the organization in 1993 for their World Series run. Fernandez was fantastic offensively as he batted .318 against the Chicago White Sox in the American League Championship Series and .333 against the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.

In addition to the Blue Jays and Padres, Fernandez played for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers. He had a career batting average of .288 in 2158 games. A five time all-star, Fernandez was not really known for his power, but for his offensive consistency at the plate. He had 2276 career hits.