The former Cuban pitcher Liván Hernández reacted to the comparisons that are often made between him, his brother Orlando “El Duque” Hernández, and the outstanding player from Pinar del Río Pedro Luis Lazo, who never chose to try his luck in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB).
"One must respect the ranks," Liván stated when referring to the debates about who was the best pitcher among himself, his brother "El Duque," and Lazo, during an interview granted to the program Destino Sports (Destino Tolk) on YouTube.
In the midst of a lighthearted controversy with one of the hosts who claimed to be part of the "Team Lazo," Hernández provided details about his professional career on the "Big Show" to make it clear that he surpassed the "Rascacielos."
“Liván H 100 percent,” said the famed former athlete, who added that he is in the top 3 in history among the flamethrowers of the largest of the Antilles, alongside Luis Tiant and Adolfo Luque.
The achievements of Liván Hernández
Liván Hernández left an indelible mark in Major League Baseball. Among his most notable achievements are: World Series champion in 1997 with the Florida Marlins; MVP of that same World Series; MVP of the National League Championship Series (1997); two selections to the All-Star Game (2004, 2005), and winner of a Silver Bat.
As if that weren't enough, he led the National League in innings pitched for three consecutive years (2003-2005).
For his part, Orlando Hernández, his brother who had a distinguished career with Industriales on the island, also forged a brilliant career in the "Big Leagues," after winning three World Series with the New York Yankees (1998, 1999, 2000).
He was also the MVP of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) in 1999. He was crowned champion again in the 2005 World Series with the Chicago White Sox and bid farewell to MLB with a record of 90 wins and a special place in the memory of Cuban and Latin American baseball.
Pedro Luis Lazo, Olympic legend
In amateur baseball, Pedro Luis Lazo is regarded as one of the great legends. He was the only player in the world to participate in four Olympic finals, where he won two gold medals and the same number of silver medals.
Similarly, it was vital in the subtitle that Cuba achieved in the I World Baseball Classic in 2006, regarded as one of the island's significant accomplishments in sports, as it represented a chance to shine in front of professional players.
Throughout his extensive career, he accumulated over 200 wins, surpassed 2,000 strikeouts, and maintained an earned run average of 3.50 or less per game, backed by the power of his right arm.
Frequently Asked Questions about the comparison between Liván Hernández and Pedro Luis Lazo
What achievements stand out in Liván Hernández's Major League career?
Liván Hernández is recognized for winning the World Series in 1997 with the Florida Marlins, being the MVP of that very series. He was also the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1997, selected as an All-Star twice (2004, 2005), and a winner of a Silver Slugger. Additionally, he led the National League in innings pitched for three consecutive years (2003-2005).
What was Orlando "El Duque" Hernández's career like in the MLB?
Orlando "El Duque" Hernández celebrated three World Series titles with the New York Yankees (1998, 1999, 2000) and was named MVP of the American League Championship Series in 1999. He also became a champion in the World Series of 2005 with the Chicago White Sox and finished his MLB career with 90 victories.
Why is Pedro Luis Lazo considered a legend of Cuban amateur baseball?
Pedro Luis Lazo is the only baseball player in the world who has participated in four Olympic finals, winning two gold medals and two silver medals. He was instrumental in Cuba's runner-up finish in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and accumulated over 200 victories, surpassing 2,000 strikeouts throughout his career.
What was Liván Hernández's reaction to being compared to Pedro Luis Lazo?
Liván Hernández stated that "one must respect the ranks", suggesting that his success in MLB places him at a higher level than Pedro Luis Lazo, who never played in the Major Leagues. During an interview, Liván emphasized his own legacy in professional baseball, describing himself as one of the greatest Cuban pitchers in history.
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