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

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.
1/6. I thank all the people who prayed for me. We are sure that God listened to you, as well as the people who took time to text me...
— Fundación Tony Fernández (@TonyCabezaFdez) December 25, 2017
-Agradezco a todas las personas que oraron. Estamos seguros que Dios los escuchó, como a los que me escribieron mensajes pic.twitter.com/KgXy9iXfcR
2/6. I have already been descharged and I'll spend Christmas with my family. The love expressed from all of you made me happy. Being called your "favorite player" means a lot
— Fundación Tony Fernández (@TonyCabezaFdez) December 25, 2017
-Me dieron de alta y pasaré la Navidad en familia. Sus expresiones de amor me hicieron feliz...
3/6. We also appreciate every phone call, like that of former president Leonel Fernández, along with that of former Sports minister, Felipe Payano
— Fundación Tony Fernández (@TonyCabezaFdez) December 25, 2017
-También agradecemos cada llamada, como la del expresidente Leonel Fernández y el exministro de Deportes, Felipe Payano
4/6. Many thanks to the @TigresdelLicey team and its G.M., Junior Novoa, for always being aware; and the players, who are like spiritual sons
— Fundación Tony Fernández (@TonyCabezaFdez) December 25, 2017
-Muchas gracias a los @TigresdelLicey y a su Gerente, Junior Novoa, por estar atentos; y a sus jugadores, que son como hijos espirituales
5/6. Thanks to those of our Ministry, La Casa del Atleta del Reino, who remain praying
— Fundación Tony Fernández (@TonyCabezaFdez) December 25, 2017
-Gracias a los miembros de nuestro Ministerio, La Casa del Atleta del Reino, quienes se mantienen en oración
6/6. And thanks to the friends journalists and the press of the DR and Canada. Mary Christmas.
— Fundación Tony Fernández (@TonyCabezaFdez) December 25, 2017
-Y gracias a los amigos periodistas y a la prensa de la República Dominicana y Canadá. Feliz Navidad pic.twitter.com/GJ45VutEXv
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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!