Joey Votto Honors Deceased Blue Jays Star Tony Fernandez With Message on Hat
By Michael Luciano
The Toronto Blue Jays, and Canadian baseball as a whole, lost one of their greatest ambassadors when shortstop Tony Fernandez, who has more hits and games played in a Blue Jays uniform than anyone else in history, passed away at the age of 57.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman and native Canadian Joey Votto, born and raised in Toronto, honored the Blue Jays' No. 1 with a message on his cap at Spring Training, which detailed how much he and his dad loved to watch Fernandez play.
Joey Votto today honored the late Tony Fernández with a message on his cap. A four-time Gold Glove shortstop, Fernández's career spanned 17 major league seasons including 12 with Votto's hometown Toronto Blue Jays and one season with Cincinnati (1994). #RedsST pic.twitter.com/dyuh8vVTlE
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 19, 2020
Fernandez was a five-time All-Star who won four Gold Gloves, picked up 2,276 career hits, and was routinely among the best postseason performers in the league.
Fernandez was the key piece in the trade that brought Roberto Alomar to Toronto, and his nine RBIs in the 1993 World Series helped the Blue Jays knock off the Philadelphia Phillies. It makes sense why Votto wanted to idolize him.
Tony Fernandez is one of the most important players in Blue Jays history. Best shortstop they ever had. Without Tony there wouldn't have been a Roberto Alomar trade. He returned in 1993 and drove in 9 runs against Philly in the World Series.
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) February 16, 2020
God Bless Tony Fernandez.
Fernandez's impact on baseball in the Dominican Republic and in Canada can't be overstated. The likes of Votto and countless other Canadiens that put on baseball cleats instead of hockey skates looked up to Fernandez and his smooth defense with the Blue Jays.