Reports state that Willie Hernandez, a former Major League pitcher who won the Cy Young Award and the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1984, has passed away at the age of 69. Hernandez, who was primarily recognized for his left-handed throwing, was a reliever for the majority of his 13-year career. He started out with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, but after being chosen by the Chicago Cubs in the 1976 Rule 5 Draft, he spent the following six seasons as a player for them. Hernandez was dealt for Dick Ruthven to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1983. But he was dealt once more, this time to the Detroit Tigers along with Dave Bergman, in return for Glenn Wilson and John Wockenfuss, right before the 1984 season.

After winning 104 games during the regular season and sweeping the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series, the 1984 Detroit Tigers were an extremely successful club. In the end, they won the World Series in just five games by defeating the San Diego Padres. Hernandez was an important member of the club as a reliever. He made 80 appearances, pitched 140.1 innings, recorded 32 saves, and finished with a 9-3 record and a stellar 1.92 ERA. Hernandez defeated Eddie Murray, Dan Quisenberry, and Kent Hrbek to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, thanks to his incredible play. In addition, he defeated Quisenberry to win the American League Cy Young Award.

Hernandez had five more seasons with the Tigers after his stellar 1984 year. Still, his career ended because of persistent elbow issues. His arm issues kept him from making it back to the Major Leagues, despite his best efforts. In the end, Hernandez pitched 744 games over 13 seasons with a respectable 3.38 ERA in 1044.2 innings. He finished his career with a bWAR of 16.5 and was selected for three All-Star teams.