Tragedy struck the professional sports world this week as a legend of Major League Baseball passed away.
According to the New York Post, Detroit Tigers icon Willie Hernández died at age 69. A cause of death has not been revealed.
The legendary Detroit pitcher rose to stardom in 1984 when he won the Cy Young Award for the American League, a World Series title and the league's MVP, a rare and astonishing accomplishment.
The Detroit Tigers released a statement in the wake of their legend's saddening death announcement.
"The Tigers are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Willie Hernández," the team's statement read. "Our thoughts are with the Hernández family, his friends, and teammates."
Forever a champion.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends and teammates of former Tigers reliever Guillermo “Willie” Hernández. pic.twitter.com/ccsblKuTJp
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) November 21, 2023
Hernández played an amazing baseball career and racked up a long list of accomplishments, including his astonishing 1984 awards year.
The Post noted:
The left-hander was a three-time All-Star (1984-86) with the Tigers, and he holds the distinction of being one of three players — along with Sandy Koufax in 1963 and Denny McLain in 1968 — in major league history to win the Cy Young award, MVP and a World Series all in the same year.
The outlet added:
As a reliever, he threw 140 ¹/₃ innings — recording a career-best 32 saves — during the ’84 regular season before adding 9 ¹/₃ more frames in the postseason.
He recorded two saves in the World Series, including the series clincher in Game 5 when he pitched the final two innings, getting Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn to fly out to end the series.
Given his status as a true legend of the game, social media tributes poured in this week, with fans and current and former players singing his praises for his contributions to the game.
RIP Willie Hernandez
Forever a Detroit Tigers great pic.twitter.com/3eQtPrdyyL
— Calico Joe (@CalicoJoeMLB) November 21, 2023
Major League Baseball also paid tribute to the Tiger's all-star.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Willie Hernandez, who won the AL MVP Award and AL Cy Young Award during the 1984 World Series Championship season for the
@tigers. The Puerto Rico native was 69 years old," MLB posted on X.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Willie Hernandez, who won the AL MVP Award and AL Cy Young Award during the 1984 World Series Championship season for the @tigers.
The Puerto Rico native was 69 years old. pic.twitter.com/sg7ksBMQuL
— MLB (@MLB) November 21, 2023
