Career HighLights

Defected from Cuba with seven others on December 26, 1997. Picked up by United States Coast Guard three days after landing on the Caribbean island of Anguilla Cay. Rather than accept a Visa to enter the United States, he established residence in Costa Rica and was granted free agency in mid-January.
Star pitcher of Cuba's national team before he was banned from the sport in October 1996 for allegedly planning to defect. Established a career record of 129-47 for the Cuban national team. Is the older half-brother of 1997 World Series MVP, Livan Hernandez, whom defected while on a team trip in Mexico and signed with the Florida Marlins. Worked briefly as a rehabilitation therapist in a psychiatric hospital after his banishment from Cuban baseball.
Known as "El Duque" in his native land.

Career Statistics - Pitching YR 98 TM Nyy G 21 GS 21 CG 3 SHO 1 IP 141.0 H 113 R 53 ER 49 HR 11 BB 52 SO 131 W 12 L 4 SV 0 ERA 3.13   Totals     G 21 GS 21 CG 3 SHO 1 IP 141.0 H 113 R 53 ER 49 HR 11 BB 52 SO 131 W 12 L 4 SV 0 ERA 3.13

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