Rodolfo "Rudy" Hernández Acosta (born October 18, 1951) is a Mexican former professional baseball shortstop who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, and later a Minor League Baseball manager.
Early Life
Hernández was born in Empalme, Sonora, Mexico. He stood 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall and weighed 150 pounds (68 kg), and batted and threw right-handed.
MLB Career
Hernández was acquired by the Chicago White Sox from the Charros de Jalisco of the Mexican League in July 1972. He made his MLB debut on September 6, 1972, at the age of 20, making him the fifth-youngest player to appear in an American League game that season.
He appeared in eight games for the White Sox during the 1972 season. At the plate, he batted .190 (4-for-21) with one run batted in and no home runs. His four hits came against pitchers Clyde Wright, Rich Hand, Dick Bosman, and Bert Blyleven. Defensively, he recorded 10 putouts and 16 assists without committing an error, and participated in three double plays.
On December 4, 1973, Hernández was traded back to Jalisco in exchange for pitcher Francisco Barrios.
Mexican League Career
Hernández enjoyed a lengthy professional career in Mexico spanning 19 years, playing in both the Mexican League and the Mexican Pacific League. In the Mexican League, he posted a .264 batting average with 148 home runs and 958 runs batted in. He was part of championship teams, including the 1984 Leones de Yucatán and the 1987 Venados de Mazatlán.
Awards
- Mexican League Rookie of the Year Award (1972)
MLB Career Statistics
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Batting average | .190 |
| Home runs | 0 |
| Runs batted in | 1 |
| Games played | 8 |
| At bats | 21 |
| Hits | 4 |
