Javier Hernandez worked on strikes in three pro seasons

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Javier Hernandez 1990 Asheville Tourists baseball card

Asheville pitcher Javier Hernandez had a tough start in 1991, The Asheville Citizen-Times wrote.

But in this July 1991 game, Hernandez went two innings and gave up one run, a performance that got the notice of his manager, Frank Cacciatore, The Citizen-Times wrote.

Hernandez "came in and threw a lot of strikes - which he has had trouble with - his control," Cacciatore told The Citizen-Times. "Today, he showed improvement."

Hernandez showed that improvement in his second season as a pro. He got into just one more. He topped out at high-A.

Hernandez' career began in 1990, signed by the Astros as a free agent out of Miami-Dade Community College.

Hernandez started with the Astros in 1990 in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He got into 15 games in relief and went 0-3, with a 3.49 ERA. He also saved two.

He moved to single-A Asheville for 1991. He didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning of a May game, then hit a five-run fourth. Overall at Asheville, Hernandez went 3-8, with a 7.97 ERA in 11 outings, 9 starts. 

Hernandez then played 1992 at high-A Osceola and single-A Burlington. He went 3-3 overall in 23 outings, six starts, and had an ERA of 4.77. But shoulder problems ended his career. That season proved his last as a pro.

Hernandez soon settled in the Tampa area and joined a local slow pitch softball league, according to The Tampa Tribune in August 1994. He also held out hope for a return to the pros after surgery, but he didn't make it back. 

Javier Hernandez 1990 Asheville Tourists baseball card


1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,527
Made the Majors:1,432-31.6%
Never Made Majors:3,095-68.4%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:582
10+ Seasons in the Minors:359

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