WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT:  Former Bishop Buddy Hernandez enjoying solid professional career

Rocky Mount, NC - Okay baseball fans, picture this... It's the 1999 Division III National Championship game.  The bases are loaded with one out in the bottom of the ninth, and your team is clinging to a 1-0 lead.  Now imagine you're the pitcher... the hopes and dreams of both teams being either realized or shattered with your next pitch.  Do you think you could handle the pressure? 

Buddy Hernandez could.

It must have seemed like the whole world was watching as Hernandez (pictured) threw the biggest pitch of his career to that point, a sharp curve ball that was grounded to third base. The ensuing 5-4-3 double play ended the game and gave North Carolina Wesleyan its second National Championship.

"Winning the Division III National Title in 1999 was definitely the most amazing moment of my collegiate career," says Hernandez. "I was able to pitch the ninth and get the save for our team."

Hernandez enjoyed a solid career as the Battling Bishops' closer from 1998-2000 before being drafted by the Atlanta Braves.  His name, in fact, can still be found in Wesleyan's baseball record book as the former First Team All-Conference selection remains in the Top-5 in season saves (7), season strikeouts (109), career saves (11), career strikeouts (258), and career earned run average (2.51).

So where is he today?

Hernandez just completed the 2006 season with the Triple-A Richmond Braves.  Having undergone Tommy John surgery and missed the previous two seasons, he made a triumphant return to the mound in '06 and was named the Braves' Most Valuable Pitcher.  Hernandez acknowledges how important this award was to him because it proves his effectiveness as a pitcher despite the surgery.

A grounded individual, however, Hernandez doesn't list his MVP award as the highlight of his season.

"The greatest part of the season was the birth of my daughter, Lila, on July 11th," he said. 

Buddy was a key part of Richmond’s 2004 South Division championship and nearly stuck with Atlanta in the spring of 2005 prior to the injury.  He was a Southern League All Star with Greenville in 2002 and has struck out well over a hitter per inning during his pro career.  Hernandez has a solid career earned run average of 2.34.

Added Hernandez, "Playing baseball at North Carolina Wesleyan provided me with an excellent foundation for where I am today both professionally and personally."

What's next for our former Battling Bishop?  Buddy plans to test the free agent market.

"I am looking to sign with a team that can offer me an invite to spring training with the opportunity to make the major league roster," he said.  "I hope to pitch in the majors this season even if it is not right out of spring training."  

Well, Buddy, North Carolina Wesleyan is on your side... We hope that your next "sharp curve" gets the same result it did in 1999!
 

2006-07 SPOTLIGHT ARCHIVES

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