After epic walk-off HR, Hernaiz 'a legend in Puerto Rico forever'

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ Athletics Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

MESA, Ariz. -- Darell Hernaiz left Athletics Spring Training for the World Baseball Classic as the guy replacing Francisco Lindor on Team Puerto Rico. Two weeks later, he returned as a star of the island.

One swing was all it took. Stepping to the plate against Panama in the 10th inning of a game that was critical to Puerto Rico’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals, Hernaiz sent the sold-out crowd at Hiram Bithorn Stadium into a frenzy by launching a walk-off home run that disappeared into the night.

That one swing changed Hernaiz’s life. The viral moment took over social media, thrusting the 24-year-old A’s infielder to the center of the baseball universe. His Instagram follower count jumped from around 8,000 to nearly 22,000, and he was recognized everywhere he went around town for the rest of Puerto Rico’s Pool Play before heading to Houston for the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Team Italy.

“It was pretty special,” Hernaiz said. “I feel like it’s sunk in a little bit now. When I was in Puerto Rico, a lot of people said, ‘Hi’ and took pictures with me. That was pretty cool. … I’ve been working hard for a while, so it’s pretty cool to have a moment like that.”

The unexpectedness of it all was what led Hernaiz to practically lose his mind on the basepaths. With three Major League home runs under his belt, Hernaiz does not fancy himself a power hitter.

Yet there he was, in his hometown of San Juan, at the stadium he frequented as a kid before moving to Texas at the age of 8, crushing a no-doubter.

“That field is pretty big,” Hernaiz said. “The ball doesn’t fly and the wind is blowing in. It’s not a very hitter-friendly park, so that was unbelievable. I really have no words to describe it.”

Making the moment even more iconic was what Hernaiz had on his feet. Through the efforts of Edwin Díaz and Kiké Hernandez, every player on Team Puerto Rico was supplied with a custom pair of Adidas cleats designed by Puerto Rican superstar artist Bad Bunny, which Hernaiz wore that night.

“I’ve got one of 30 pairs, so that’s pretty awesome,” Hernaiz said. “To hit a homer in those was sick.”

Given a day to ease back into camp upon returning to Arizona on Monday, Hernaiz, still blonde after joining all his Puerto Rico teammates in dyeing their hair for Team Rubio, will resume his push for an Opening Day roster spot with the A’s. He’ll do so with a boost of confidence, not just from the home run, but also from the knowledge gained from working closely alongside a star-studded Puerto Rico coaching staff that included Yadier Molina as manager and Edgar Martinez as hitting coach.

“I feel good,” Hernaiz said. “I can’t really control what [the A’s] are thinking of doing, but I believe in myself and know that, when I get an opportunity to play, I’ll perform. I’m confident in myself. Obviously a huge moment like that gives me a little more confidence.”

As for his status in Puerto Rico, Hernaiz is still trying to wrap his head around the newfound fame. Puerto Rican celebrities who messaged him over the past week include rappers Residente and Noriel. Lindor, one of his baseball idols growing up, FaceTimed him on the field immediately after the homer.

Even with Team Puerto Rico falling short of its championship goals, Hernaiz’s heroic homer will live on forever as a symbol of national pride, and his teammates and coaches made sure to let him know that as he left the clubhouse.

“They told me I’m a legend in Puerto Rico forever,” Hernaiz said. “They were thankful for that moment that I gave so many people so much joy. … They thanked me, but I was just trying to do my job. It was pretty awesome.”