Blue Jays: Tony Fernandez released from hospital, prognosis appears promising

12 Apr 1998: Infielder Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in action during a game against the Texas Rangers at The Ball Park in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won the game, 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
12 Apr 1998: Infielder Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in action during a game against the Texas Rangers at The Ball Park in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won the game, 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

Toronto Blue Jays alumni TonyFernandez has been released from the hospital according to a 6-part tweet the former shortstop released via Twitter on Christmas day.

Tony Fernandez had been hospitalized in Florida a week earlier for Polycystic Kidney Disease and could barely speak due to the clutches of the genetic disorder. The 55-year old had requested prayers from friends and followers putting his trust in God to see him through this difficult time.

Fernandez genuinely seemed touched by the outpouring of support he received during his hospital stay and from the tone of the most recent tweets the prognosis appears much more promising than initially thought.

The smooth-fielding infielder was a stalwart at shortstop for the Blue Jays for 12 seasons over 4 different tenures. Fernandez is enshrined on the Wall of Excellence at the Rogers Centre and is the franchise leader in a number of offensive and defensive categories.

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Fernandez is the Blue Jays all-time leader in games played (1450), WAR Position Players (37.4), Defensive WAR (11.9), Hits (1583), and Singles (1160). He is also tied for the dubious honour most caught stealing attempts (86) along with Damaso Garcia and Lloyd Moseby.

The native of the Dominican Republic is often overlooked when the topic of Blue Jays greatest players is brought up however the shortstop deserves to be in the conversation and has the numbers to back it up. Jays Journal colleague Ari Shapiro penned a great piece about the Fernandez legacy a year ago that is well worth the read.

Since his retirement, Fernandez has been diligently committed to his foundation for underprivileged and troubled children in the Dominican Republic. You can learn more about the Tony Fernandez Foundation HERE.

Yesterday’s news is truly uplifting as we round into the New Year, especially after already tragically losing arguably the best pitcher in franchise history in Roy Halladay earlier this year in an unfortunate plane crash.

Next: Blue Jays: Boxing week could be a busy one

Get well Tony, Canada is praying for you!

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