Former Major Leaguer Tony Fernandez, a shortstop who played for the New York Mets and New York Yankees but had his best days with the Toronto Blue Jays, has died at the age of 57 in the Dominican Republic.
According to reports, Fernandez had been battling kidney problems and recently suffered a stroke.
Fernandez, who won four consecutive Gold Gloves in a Blue Jay uniform, captured a World Series with the Blue Jays in 1993.
“My heart is so heavy at the loss of former teammate, friend, and Champion Tony Fernandez,” Todd Stottlemyre tweeted. “My prayers go out to his wife and their entire family. I will never forget this man. He influenced my life in a positive way. He made everyone around him better. RIP my brother.”
He made his Blue Jays’ debut in 1983 at the age of 21 and became an instant fan favorite. He was traded from the Blue Jays after the 1990 season, but returned to Toronto during the 1993 season after a poor showing with the Mets. The Blue Jays would win the World Series that year vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
A five-time All Star, he also played for the Cincinnati Reds, Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers but returned to Toronto again in 1998-99 and then in 2001, his last season in the majors.
“I’m so sorry to hear about Tony Fernandez passing,” tweeted former hurler David Wells, who played with Fernandez on the Blue Jays. Wells also pitched for the Yankees. “A great teammate and friend. A pitchers dream to have him at shortstop when (you’re) pitching. One of the best ever. R.I.P. my friend.”