Blue Jays legend Tony Fernandez passes away at age 57

According to MLB Insider Hector Gomez, Toronto Blue Jays legend Tony Fernandez has passed away after suffering kidney complications and a brain stroke.

Blue Jays legend Tony Fernandez had been recently hospitalized for complications with Polycystic Kidney Disease. The former infielder was diagnosed with an inherited genetic disorder where clusters of cysts attack his kidneys. Fernandez was also hospitalized in 2017 for the disorder but eventually recovered.

Fernandez will be forever known for his accolades on the baseball field north of the border. The shortstop was enshrined on the “Level of Excellence” back in 2001 and inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

The native of the Dominican Republic made his MLB debut with the Jays back on September 02nd, in1983 as a 21-year old. Fernandez would spend 12 seasons in Toronto over four different tenures totaling 1450 games.

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Fernandez would also play for the Padres, Mets, Indians, Reds, Yankees, and Brewers throughout his 17-year career. The shortstop was part of arguably the biggest trade in Blue Jays history when he was dealt to San Diego along with Fred McGriff in exchange for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter in 1990. The infielder would eventually find his way back to Toronto just in time to win a World Series in 1993.

The shortstop was a five-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner during his storied MLB career. He would win the Gold Gloves in consecutive years from 1986-89 while with Toronto. In 2158 career MLB Games, Fernandez hit .288/.347/.399 with 2276 hits, 94 home runs, 246 stolen bases, and a 45.3 WAR.

Fernandez is the Blue Jays all-time franchise leader in Games Played 1,450, Hits 1,583, Singles 1,160 and Triples with 72. His legacy will forever live on in the Blue Jays record books and memories of fans all across the country.

His impact on the baseball world could be seen all over social media platforms this morning as former players and fans alike offered their condolences. All of us here at Jays Journal would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire Fernandez family. RIP Tony, gone but never forgotten.