Don't Send Anderson Hernandez Your Baseball Cards

When I was young I used to send glossies and cards to many athletes hoping to get them signed. Most did, some didn't. Of the ones that didn't return, most of those have been athletes of higher stature than light hitting second baseman Anderson Hernandez. If you had done the same when you were young, or if you have children that send baseball players cards in hopes to be signed, then what you're about to read is disappointing, and slightly upsetting:

The young infielder pulled a large garbage can up next to his locker. Seated on a stool, he spread the mail out on another stool and meticulously tore open each envelope.

With his right hand he shook each piece of mail and let the baseball cards inside -- cards that had his photo on them -- float to the clubhouse floor. Without even glancing at the remaining contents of the envelope, he quickly tossed it into the trash -- stamped, self-addressed, return envelope and all. Then it was on to the next one.
The baseball cards were collected from the floor later, once the rest of the mail had been discarded, and stored in his locker. Only Anderson Hernandez, who failed to survive the Mets' final roster cut and is headed for Triple-A New Orleans, knows why he refused to answer his fan mail. An otherwise nice young man with limited command of the English language, the 24-year-old Hernandez shook his head and declined to comment when asked about his behavior.

So why did Anderson Hernandez fail to answer his mail? Was he hoping for money in the envelopes? Is he keeping the cards to sell on eBay to supplement his salary now that he's going to New Orleans? Is he so worried about the environment that he decided to quickly recycle the paper to help stem global warming? Or does Anderson Hernandez not like children?

You do like children ... don't you? Anderson?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-01-2007 @ 12:25PM

wildman said...

what a jerk..I hope he never makes it to the majors

4-01-2007 @ 4:32PM

Keith said...

What a jerk. When I was a kid I also sent cards out, determining which players I rooted against by who didn't send them back. Notable jerks: Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco (all shocking). I was surprised that Bo Jackson took the time to send it back (in his prime).

4-01-2007 @ 5:15PM

Greg said...

I wouldn't walk across the street to pee on him if he was on fire.

4-01-2007 @ 5:52PM

Dave said...

Willie Randolph will straighten his ass out. He will learn to appreciate being a baseball player or he will never play for the Mets again. Count on it.

4-01-2007 @ 7:28PM

big j said...

maybe they should toss his paycheck in the trash until he learns to speak english...lets face it,he tosses the letters in the garbage because he cant READ them....dumb ass

4-01-2007 @ 11:11PM

pj said...

What an ass. I hope this guy likes traveling 14 hours on that bus kie minors leagers do. Hope he never returns to the majors. Now he has to check his ego at the door..

4-02-2007 @ 3:33AM

Richard said...

Where were the spanish speaking Mets in the clubhouse, and why didn't any take the time or interest to explain the customs of US baseball fans to a fellow teammate who was clearly bewildered?
Instead of showing compassion the responders to this post seem to be showing their anger, racism, intolerance.

4-02-2007 @ 4:43AM

eh said...

Biggest Jerks I've experienced.
Dickie Thon
Willie Davis

4-02-2007 @ 4:25AM

eric said...

Bigger jerks:
Willie Davis
Dickie Thon

4-02-2007 @ 4:51AM

PS:
Bret Saberhagen. Would only sign for girls who he invited to hotel room.

4-02-2007 @ 9:30AM

Jeff said...

I bet he doesn't know how to spell his name or even write it!!!!!!! Maybe he was just looking for the bubble gum that comes with the baseball cards.

4-02-2007 @ 9:57AM

honeydripper said...

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY ANYONE WOULD WANT ANOTHER PERSON'S SIGNATURE. HE'S NOTHING BUT ANOTHER HUMAN BEING. I, FOR ONE AGREE WITH BILL RUSSELL, I WOULDN'T SIGN ANYTHING. TO HELL WITH ALL THE AUTOGRAPH SEEKERS AND TO ALL OF YOU WHO THINK IT'S AN ATHLETE'S DUTY TO BOW DOWN AND KISS THE FANS ASSES.

4-02-2007 @ 10:23AM

RippinRiley said...

If it wasn't for the Fans....Buying the high price tickets and going to the game ....then were would the money come from to pay their salary...So these's players need the FANS...and signing autograph
is a part of it....

4-02-2007 @ 10:41AM

readby said...

well.. I don't know who he is.. but..if it's like that and he doesn't know english or our customs.. maybe he doesn't realize that these are fans sending him cards for autographs.. maybe he thinks these are the antifans and he thinks they are sending back his cards especially knowing that he didn't make the cut...he prob thinks those people think he's that bad that they are sending back cards that don't mean anything anymore.. know what I mean?

4-02-2007 @ 1:13PM

llnelsonjr said...

This is the kind of players that are trying to invaded the great game of baseball now! They don't respect the game or anything it stands for, just how much money they can make. MLB should require all of those type of players to play 2 years minimum in the minors and get $150 a week like I did. And the non-english speaking 'persons' should be required to take a english speaking course and be able to speak english with in 6 months or go back to your own country.

4-02-2007 @ 1:57PM

LorMar said...

Maybe he is illiterate and can't read or write.

4-02-2007 @ 3:08PM

Lakergregg said...

I'm thinkin' the excuse that some posters have put out there about the kid not speakin' english and not understanding that people want the card signed and sent back, is legit.
Most baseball players are a-holes and won't take time to explain anything to a guy not expected to make the team.
The thing that does piss me off is guys like Vladimir Guerrero.
He's my fav player and I understand he spent years in french speaking Montreal.
But, he's been here in Southern California a few years now and you very rarely here him audible more than a few words of english.
Obviously the Americanos who play Dominican winter ball learn spanish.
C'mon Vlad stop being shy and speak some english.

4-02-2007 @ 3:48PM

John said...

I agree with Big j and pj - disagree with Richard. "Racism"? "Anger"? Those words would only apply to aspiring professionals who take ALL aspects of the game seriously in a sportsman like fashion. There's a LOT to be said for those men who can portray it and don't feel it's some type of "burden". No one puts labels on any player they don't deserve by actions or words directly quoted. Black, White, Red, Yellow,...etc.... - Only The Greatness on the field and off "bestowes" greatness on a player. Barry Bonds will never be a Great One even if he keeps hitting homers 'til he's 100! Consistant good attitude, solid fair play and a thankful nod to the fans who bestowed it upon you is not all that difficult to do. The Great build it through being able to display talent, compassion and spirit THROUGHOUT their careers. Not just on the day they may hit their 1000th homer. It's his arrogance that speaks for him - not only on the field - but now, - now when if he made it to the "Big Leagues" he'd say "No one supported me." Boo-hoo! Whine whine whine. Take some cheese, have yourself a cracker and party down with some cheap pink champagne. You are WHAT you DO.

They may covet your sweaty jock strap in Ecuador - but here in America - it's the Spirit of Sportsmanship that produce the Great Ones. No worries on that point apparently. Another "Has Been Wannabe". Nothing more - but watch you're not something less.