Willie Hernandez, MVP and Cy Young winner for champion 1984 Detroit Tigers, dies at 69

Willie Hernandez, MVP and Cy Young winner for champion 1984 Detroit Tigers, dies at 69 originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Three-time All-Star relief pitcher Willie Hernández, who won the 1984 AL Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards for the World Series champion Detroit Tigers, has passed away at the age of 69.

Tigers spokesman Chad Crunk announced Hernández’s passing in Florida, and the team confirmed it with his family. The cause of death has not been revealed.

The left-handed Hernández, known for his role as the closer on the 1984 Tigers, had a 13-year career. The team, led by Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, and Jack Morris, had a dominant season in 1984.

Hernández had a remarkable record in 1984 with 9-3, 32 saves in 33 chances, and a 1.92 ERA over 80 games and 140 1/3 innings. He became one of just 11 pitchers to win both the Cy Young and MVP in the same year.

Hernández continued his excellent performance throughout the postseason and played a crucial role in the World Series, securing the final out and leading the Tigers to victory.

Former Tigers star Alan Trammell expressed his sadness at Hernández’s passing and remembered their celebration on the mound after the final out of the 1984 World Series.

Guillermo Hernández, born in Aguada, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 14, 1954, began his baseball career with the Chicago Cubs before rising to stardom with the Detroit Tigers.

After a decline in performance, Hernández made an unexpected request for a name change and finished his career as Guillermo.

Click here to follow the Cubs Talk Podcast.