“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is an old saying that doesn’t make much sense. Case in point, for a young, undeveloped player, sometimes hearing the words, “you didn’t make the team” or “you’re not good enough” can not only hurt them, but potentially break their confidence. As an athlete, being on the receiving end of such hurtful words, you have two options: give up or try again. Austin High School’s Andrew Hernandez chose the latter.
“My dad told me, ‘Even though you see everyone else who’s bigger and stronger than you and has more skill than you, just work long, hard nights and you’re going to get to that same level.’ As a kid, I looked up to my dad, and that quote inspired me to keep going. It helped me remember to just work hard day and night, and I’d get to that same level,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez began playing baseball at five years old at East End Little League. When he turned 11 years old, he began to show interest in playing select baseball. Hernandez was cut by several programs before he got his chance to compete with the Texas Generals, Five Starr Baseball and Houston Heat.
“Coach Bear Bay is a great pitching coach. The coaches in the Houston Heat organization are very elite, they have former major league and Division One players coaching. Playing there taught me how to become a better player and they do well at taking you from good to great. That’s the best coaching I’ve ever received,” said Hernandez.
From playing little league baseball to being cut from several select programs, Hernandez found his game improving tremendously as he learned from notable coaches. As his skill increased, so did his confidence, and soon after he found himself playing for several travel ball teams.
“In travel ball, we played with a bunch of elite guys. When I joined Banditos Baseball Club, everyone on the team was committed to play on the collegiate level. Surrounding myself with great players made me work harder and want to be just as great myself,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez watches Georgia Tech outfielder, Drew Burress, and admires the intensity he brings to the game.
“Even though he plays outfield and I play second base, watching him makes me realize that I need to create speed, and become faster and more explosive as a player,” said Hernandez.
Andrew Hernandez
IG: @drew2cruzz
Twitter: @andrewh2024
Position: Second baseman
Height & weight: 5-feet-8, 170 pounds
Players he studies: Drew Burress (Georgia Tech), Jose Altuve (Houston Astros)
Status: Committed to Wayland Baptist University
Favorite artist: Morgan Wallen
Favorite subject: History
Shout-outs: Izaguire family, Hernandez family, Austin High School
Hernandez also watches the gameplay of Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.
“I’ve always looked up to him as a young kid. We play the same position, he’s a smaller player, but he is a great athlete at second base,” said Hernandez.
Baseball has a strong legacy within Hernandez’s family. His uncle, Sam Izaguire, was a player at Rice University. Furthermore, his cousin Ray Izaguire showcased his skills at Pasadena Memorial before securing a commitment to play at St. Thomas. Another cousin, Izzy Izaguire, made his mark at Mayde Creek and has committed to play junior college baseball in Kansas.
“With all my family being involved in baseball, it was a lot of pressure to have some success,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez became a four-year varsity starter while he attended Austin High School. During his junior season, he led his team in batting average and on-base percentage while receiving All-District honors. This gave him the confidence to know his hard work was paying off and he too had something special.
“Receiving All-District honors was a great accomplishment for me and my family. Everyone was super proud. I just continued to work. My next goal was committing to a collegiate program,” said Hernandez.
In the Spring of 2024, Hernandez committed to play baseball at Wayland Baptist University.
“That school was the best choice for me because I got a good feel from the coaching staff and the players. While on my visit I was able to interact with the players and they gave me a good look into how the school functioned. The team was full of talented, motivated players and that’s what I want to be a part of,” said Hernandez.
While in college Hernandez plans to major in business management and later assist his father in his security business.
Hernandez encourages younger players to work hard and not get stuck in their heads after making mistakes on the field.
“Just take a breath, block out all the noise, take your mind off what’s happening around you and get back to work,” said Hernandez.
