Tuesday, April 22, 2008

El Duquecito - We Hardly Knew You

Remember Cuban native Adrian "El Duquecito" Hernandez? Chances are you do not. As the Yankees were battling towards the end of their World Series dynasty in 2000, a young Cuban pitcher was making headlines in the minor leagues. El Duquecito was supposed to be the next El Duque, one of the greatest postseason pitchers in Yankee history. While it is up in the air as whether the two pitchers are related or not, 'Cito crafted his delivery very similar to that of his predicessor, with the high leg kick bringing his left knee dangerously close to his face. In 2001 he made his Major League debut with the Yankees, starting 3 games and posting an impressive 3.68 ERA although he did not record a win. 2002 was a completely different story as 'Cito was only given one start and was rocked for 8 earned runs over 6 innings. After spending 2003 out of baseball, El Duquecito returned in '04 to pitch for the Brewers where he struggled mightily in five relief appearances and one spot start. It is unknown what Hernandez is up to these days as a 33-year-old retiree but after an extensive google search it is clear that he is not in fact Adrian F. Hernandez, a reknown heart transplant doctor located in Durham, NC nor is he Mexican boxer Adrian Hernandez.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

he is actually coaching right now in florida.

Anonymous said...

2006-2007 was coaching in Toronto with the Ontario Tigers.

Anonymous said...

2006-2007 was coaching in Toronto,
The Ontario Tigers.

Anonymous said...

Right now in 2012 he is training some rich kid, and he is completely broke, he even sleeps on a matress on the floor at his girlfriends mothers house.