Why Dodgers Fans Love: Kikè Hernandez
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a great core of players, and a talented roster. That’s why Dodgers Nation has decided to run a ‘Why We Love’ series, featuring some of your favorite Dodgers players. Our third installment focuses on possibly the most popular current Dodgers player. In this installment, we focus on why we love Kikè Hernandez.
Every successful team needs a player like Enrique ‘Kikè’ Hernandez on the roster. The things that you hear about Hernandez over and again: enthusiasm, versatility, and the manner in which he plays the game. A team constructed with superstars still needs to have a player who can step in and be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Hernandez became a Dodger on December 11th, 2014. Los Angeles gave up Dee Gordon, Dan Haren, and Miguel Rojas. Hernandez was a ‘toss-in’ along with Austin Barnes, Andrew Heaney, and Chris Hatcher.
During his first season as a Dodger, Hernandez hit .307 in 76 games played. His .836 OPS while playing nearly every position on the diamond was a sign that the Dodgers had a player who could be a valuable fixture on a big league roster. Yet, there have been peaks and valleys with Hernandez as a professional.
While hitting for a semi-low average since that 2015 season, Hernandez has shown surprising pop. Further, his .509 career slugging percentage against left-handed pitching makes him a middle of the order threat on the occasion a southpaw is on the mound.
Lastly, there is the ‘chemistry’ aspect. Hernandez is a true ‘glue-guy’ you hear about in a clubhouse that teammates seem to love. A quick look at his social media accounts or even the flair he dresses with on game day signals a player who has humility and fun. In brief – his value carries beyond just the statistics – and reasons why we love Hernandez as a Dodger.
Why We Love Kikè Hernandez
AJ Gonzalez: In a time with increasing toxicity when it comes to being masculine, Kikè plays the game with a fun and abandon of a child. He doesn’t adhere to say silly rules of being a man. Kikè hugs his teammates, wears yoga baseball pants, twerks and dances instead of brooding. He really embodies what it really is to “play the right way.”
Clint Evans: I have a great appreciation for how hard this man plays. He embodies the whole ‘it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of fight in the dog’ as much as anyone in baseball. The way Hernandez owns the guy I dislike most in baseball; Madison Bumgarner, is another big plus. For those who have ever played daily fantasy baseball – you probably remember the great Kikè pricing error on FanDuel. His versatility. Two seasons of around 1.5 fWAR (2015, 2017) in part-time roles show his value to a team.
What’s more, Kikè had one of the greatest games in franchise history when the lights were the brightest. No matter what happens from here, I will never forget his performance at Wrigley Field in the NLCS that sent the Dodgers to the 2017 World Series.
I could watch that a thousands times and it would never be enough. When Hernandez tagged Jose Quintana that first time – I knew it was happening. By the time he hit the grand slam in the third inning, it was time to just soak in the moment during the moment.
Why You Love Kikè Hernandez
he brings out the fun in the game! after all, these are grown men making a living playing a child's game so it's nice to see one of those young men embracing that fact and bringing smiles to our faces while he does it. plus he breaks the 'fourth wall' pic.twitter.com/LvBsQzBIxO
— R??? K??? W??????? (@RyanKyleWill) June 18, 2018
I love Kiké because of the way he plays. He doesn't take any minute on the field for granted and he enjoys himself every opportunity. He loves the game like it should be. His gratitude towards others is wonderful, him being my only professionally signed ball makes my whole day!
— vicente (@vrodriguez_55) June 18, 2018
He brings an excellent fielder at any position. Great at bats. The joy of the Dodgers, happy, fun, doesn't take himself too seriously.
— ??CarolLX?? (@CarolLX) June 18, 2018
Why We Love Kiké?
??He LOVES this game
??He supports & cares for his team
??He is charitable and giving
??He makes everyone smile and laugh
??He’s Chase Utley’s baseball child
??He’s the champion of #slughugs
??He IS #DodgerBlue
?? #Dodgers— Librarian for Books (@Librarian4Books) June 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/jfarnsworth760/status/1008544810586669058
My favorite post-game moment pic.twitter.com/COH13YMuPu
— Craig Pinto (@CraigPinto49) June 18, 2018
No words needed. pic.twitter.com/24SZeV9fJ4
— Kyle Hirschman (@khirschman1) June 18, 2018
kiké is the most exciting player on Dodgers. Plays any position and plays them well. He plays with the joy of a kid playing little league and the power of a man. My family loves watching him play.
— Arqui (@arqui_bet) June 18, 2018
Kike brings a youthful energy to the game. He’s always having fun. On top of that, he can play just about any position. His versatility is unmatched in the MLB.
— AGR (@agr_dodgers22) June 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/tarenlt4/status/1008540532086194177
He would play the game for nothing!
— Bill McKeithen (@BillMcKe) June 19, 2018
I Love Kiké because of His enthusiasm for the game, He can play 7 positions really well and He's just so much fun. Dancing, Dancing, Dancing
— Lisa (@gudebutton64) June 19, 2018
Kikè is a great all around player who can start for multiple teams at multiple positions. We love him because he loves us. He chooses to be a loyal “utility” man for this team. He’s loyal, he’s energy, he’s fun, he’s 1st pitch fastball homeruns, he’s a Cub killer, he is Kikè pic.twitter.com/W7cBTKDim0
— cowboys/bulls szn (@dak_zeke214) June 18, 2018
Savoring Kikè Hernandez as a Dodger
Whether it’s a diving stop at shortstop or in center field or a long drive off Madison Bumgarner – Hernandez’s flashy talent has been on display in Los Angeles for quite some time now. You know what you’re getting with this player, and his name on the lineup card brings comfort to his fans, manager, and teammates. When you look back on this era of Dodgers baseball, you will remember the high points with Hernandez. While he might not be wearing the uniform for another decade – he’s made the most of his opportunity and time in the organization. As you look around baseball, you would be hard pressed to find a utility player who is more beloved by his fan base than Kikè Hernandez.
Tell us why you love Kikè in the comments!
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Kike is and always will be nothing more than a scrub. He has pop and a decent average over his career against lefty’s. His value is in his versatility. He can play a lot of positions and is pretty good defensively at all of them. But he strikes out too much, is usually over powered by right handed pitchers. He is a nice kid who has a lot of enthusiasm, but he is not and never will be a GREAT player. Not sporting a .233 lifetime average.
I think it’s a shame that he is never on the all star ballot because he isn’t a position player. Imagine what he could bring to that game.
Kike’ is the most exciting player in baseball. He deserves to be in the all star game.love everything he does in all positions on the field and such a charitable person off the field. I have a ragdoll cat named Dodger Blue, aka Kike’ and another named Kokomo Koufax “Koko”. I love my Dodger ballplayers and Kike’ is so exciting to watch, always wish him in the lineup. Good luck always to Kike’.