Introduction
Keith Hernandez, a former professional baseball player and current baseball analyst for Mets’ telecasts, has built an impressive net worth throughout his career. In this article, we will delve into Keith Hernandez’s net worth, his achievements in the world of baseball, and his post-baseball endeavors. Let’s explore the financial journey of this renowned athlete.
Keith Hernandez’s Net Worth and Salary
Keith Hernandez has amassed a net worth of approximately $16 million. This substantial fortune is the result of his successful career in professional baseball and subsequent ventures. Hernandez gained prominence by playing for notable teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. Throughout his playing years, he achieved numerous milestones, including five All-Star titles, one MVP award, and two World Series titles. Additionally, he holds the record for winning Golden Glove awards in 11 consecutive seasons, making him the most decorated first baseman in history in terms of defensive prowess.
From the Diamond to the Broadcasting Booth
After retiring from professional baseball in the early 1990s, Keith Hernandez transitioned to a thriving broadcasting career. He became a familiar face to baseball fans through his work as a television broadcaster for SportsNet and WPIX, primarily covering Mets games. Furthermore, Hernandez serves as a studio analyst for MLB on Fox, a role he has held since 2017. His expertise and insight into the game have made him a respected figure in the world of sports broadcasting.
Exploring Keith Hernandez’s Career Earnings
Over the course of his baseball career, Keith Hernandez earned an estimated $17 million in salary alone. When adjusted for inflation, this amount equates to approximately $40 million in today’s dollars. These substantial earnings reflect not only his exceptional skills on the field but also the value he brought to his respective teams throughout his tenure.
Early Life and Rise to Baseball Stardom
Keith Hernandez was born on October 20, 1953, in San Francisco, California. Despite some misconceptions about his heritage, he is of Castillan Spanish and British descent. Raised in Pacifica and Millbrae, Hernandez showcased his athletic talents during his youth, excelling in various sports. His exceptional abilities on the baseball field caught the attention of scouts, and he played alongside future MLB pitcher Bob McClure during his high school years.
However, Hernandez’s journey to success was not without challenges. Coaches noted occasional “attitude problems,” which led to a disagreement with one of his coaches, resulting in him sitting out his entire senior year. Nevertheless, he was able to continue his baseball career and eventually attended the College of San Mateo before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.
A Stellar Career in Baseball
In 1971, Keith Hernandez was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and made his professional debut in the minor leagues with the Tulsa Oilers. His performance in the Cardinals’ minor league affiliate was impressive, boasting a .333 batting average and five home runs. He steadily progressed through the ranks and made his major league debut against the San Francisco Giants in 1974, signaling the beginning of a remarkable career.
Hernandez’s defensive capabilities and remarkable batting average earned him accolades and recognition. In 1978, he secured his first Golden Glove award, marking the start of a streak that would continue for 11 consecutive seasons. In 1979, he achieved an outstanding batting average of .344, leading the league and sharing the MVP award with Willie Stargell—an unprecedented achievement in the history of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Keith Hernandez’s impact extended beyond individual accolades. He played a pivotal role in the St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series victory in 1982, solidifying his status as one of the game’s premier first basemen. However, his tenure with the Cardinals eventually came to an end due to disagreements with the management, including manager Whitey Herzog, who referred to Hernandez as a “cancer” within the team. Hernandez later admitted that his struggles with excessive cocaine use likely played a role in his departure from the team, even confessing to playing a game while under the influence of the drug.
The Mets Era and Continued Success
Following his trade to the New York Mets, Keith Hernandez committed to turning the team’s fortunes around. Despite the team’s challenging circumstances at the time, Hernandez’s leadership and exceptional defensive skills propelled the Mets to new heights. His remarkable ability to defend against bunts often demoralized opposing teams, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest first basemen in the history of the sport.
However, Hernandez faced personal challenges related to his cocaine use. In 1985, he became embroiled in a drug scandal in Pittsburgh, where he and six other players were implicated in the use and distribution of cocaine. As a result, Hernandez received a season-long suspension. However, the sentence was commuted after he agreed to donate ten percent of his salary to drug abuse programs. Hernandez maintained that he never distributed cocaine and that his usage was strictly recreational.
Despite this setback, Hernandez and the Mets secured their second World Series title in 1986. He continued to excel on the field, earning his final Golden Glove award in 1988. However, his batting average declined in the subsequent years, and the Mets chose not to extend his contract in 1989. Hernandez concluded his career with a single season for the Cleveland Indians, ultimately retiring in 1990 after facing multiple injuries.
Life Beyond Baseball
Keith Hernandez’s talents extend beyond the baseball diamond. After retiring, he found success in the entertainment industry, making appearances in popular television shows such as “Seinfeld,” “Law & Order,” and “Ghostwriter.” Additionally, he ventured into the film industry, with notable roles in movies like “The Scout” and “The Yards.”
Seinfeld Royalties: A Surprising Source of Income
In 1992, Keith Hernandez made a memorable two-episode appearance on the sitcom “Seinfeld.” His guest role in the one-hour episode titled “The Boyfriend” garnered significant attention and acclaim. To this day, Hernandez continues to receive royalties from the syndication of “Seinfeld,” earning an estimated $3,000 per year from this popular television show.
Conclusion
Keith Hernandez’s net worth of $16 million reflects his remarkable achievements in professional baseball and his subsequent endeavors. From his impressive playing career to his successful transition into broadcasting and the entertainment industry, Hernandez has left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Despite facing personal challenges along the way, his legacy as one of the greatest first basemen and defensive players in baseball history remains intact. Keith Hernandez’s financial success serves as a testament to his dedication, talent, and enduring popularity among fans of the sport.