Keith Hernandez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Keith Hernandez. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Keith Hernandez is a former MLB first baseman who played 17 seasons. A five-time All-Star, he shared the 1979 NL MVP award and secured World Series titles with both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. Since 1998, he has transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for Mets television broadcasts.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: First Gold Glove Award

In 1978, Keith Hernandez won his first Gold Glove Award, recognized for his fielding abilities.

1979: National League leader

In 1979, Hernandez led the National League in runs scored, batting average, and doubles.

1979: Shared MVP Award

In 1979, Keith Hernandez led the league with a .344 batting average, 48 doubles, and 116 runs scored, sharing the National League's Most Valuable Player Award with Willie Stargell.

1980: National League leader

In 1980, Hernandez led the National League in runs scored and on-base percentage.

1980: Game-Winning RBIs Statistic Official

In 1980, the game-winning RBIs statistic became official. Keith Hernandez holds the career record with 129.

1982: World Series Victory with the Cardinals

In 1982, Keith Hernandez and the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. Hernandez hit a home run in Game 6 and contributed eight RBIs during the series.

1983: Rookie of the Year

In 1983, Darryl Strawberry was names Rookie of the Year.

1983: Previous Game-Winning RBIs Record

In 1983, Harold Baines held the previous game-winning RBIs record with 22.

1984: Second in MVP Voting

In 1984, Keith Hernandez finished second in the NL Most Valuable Player voting and became a leader of the Mets' young core of ballplayers.

1985: Single-season record

In 1985, Hernandez set the single-season record for game-winning RBIs.

1985: Record for Game-Winning RBIs

In 1985, Keith Hernandez set a record for game-winning RBIs with 24.

1986: National League leader in walks

In 1986, Hernandez led the National League in walks.

1986: World Series Victory with the Mets

In 1986, Keith Hernandez and the New York Mets won the World Series in seven games over the Boston Red Sox. Hernandez hit .310 with 83 RBI during the regular season and drove in 3 runs in Game 7.

1988: Final Gold Glove and Division Crown

In 1988, Keith Hernandez won his 11th and final Gold Glove and led his team to another division crown. However, the Mets lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

1997: Inducted into New York Mets Hall of Fame

In 1997, Hernandez was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame.

2002: Mets' all-time first baseman

In 2002, Hernandez was voted the Mets' all-time first baseman by fans in celebration of the team's 40th anniversary.

2007: Mustache Madness contest winner

In 2007, Hernandez won the "Mustache Madness" contest on newsday.com, and the American Mustache Institute chose his facial hair as the "top sports mustache ever".

2009: Live Sports Event: Series

In 2010, Hernandez and the SNY Mets broadcast team won the "Live Sports Event: Series 2009 Mets: The Inaugural Year of Citi Field" New York Emmy award.

2010: New York Emmy Awards

In 2010, Hernandez won two New York Emmy Awards: one individually for Sports Analyst and another as part of the SNY Mets broadcast team.

June 17, 2012: Mets' 50th anniversary celebration

On June 17, 2012, during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Mets, Hernandez was selected as the Mets' all-time first baseman and spoke about how his trade to New York reenergized him.