First Coast Player in Franchise History Signs With An MLB Affiliate

The day started like any other for Julien Hernandez. He was watching his teammates take live at-bats, expecting a routine day at the ballpark, when everything changed.
Long Beach Coast manager Troy Percival called him into his office.
What came next shifted the course of Hernandez’s career: his contract was purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks just 30 games into the season. 

There is a photo of Hernandez when he was no older than three, holding a baseball bat nearly as big as him. Remembering himself as a “little ball of energy” is what motivated him to keep pushing even when obstacles stood in his way.

“Little me would be just absolutely ecstatic right now that I'm still playing baseball and continue to be able to do that every single day,” said Hernandez. “My five-year-old self would be jumping for joy.”

Hernandez was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude toward the people who helped him along the way.

“I've been surrounded by so many amazing people who have helped me not just become the best baseball player, but the best human being, and I'm really grateful for all of that,” said Hernandez.

The right-handed pitcher has been dominant for the Coast, proving to be a reliable arm while posting a 2.89 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP across 13 appearances. He struck out 28 batters, including two relief outings. 

THE JOURNEY

Although his journey was unorthodox, Hernandez didn’t follow the typical affiliate path. He started as a Division III athlete before moving to Division I and eventually independent ball.

“Through all the successes and all the challenges, it's made me who I am,” said Hernandez. “I wouldn't trade a second for anything else, because I knew this is what I deserved and this is what life gave me.”

Hernandez is primarily a changeup pitcher, a pitch that has become his signature on the mound and one that the Diamondbacks have started to recognize him for. His fastball, however, serves as his primary weapon used to set up hitters.

Independent ball tested him in a different way. The schedule was grueling, the uncertainty constant, and every day required the same decision: show up and prove it again.

“The point of Indy ball isn't just to get signed,” said Hernandez. “It's to go enjoy the game and find your connection and love for the game, and make the most of it.”

BEYOND THE GAME

Through it all, he learned what it meant to stay ready when nothing is guaranteed, and to keep believing in a future that often felt distant.

“What I love about baseball is there's a whole analytical side,” said Hernandez. “Learning how to control your mind, the mental aspect of it, is something that I really love learning about.”

The mental game is something that Percival has helped Hernandez improve.

“I started listening to podcasts, getting my mind right, and really simplifying the game,” said Hernandez. “That's really helped me a lot this year.”

Hernandez credits the mental resilience the game demands with helping him stay ready, ultimately leading to his opportunity to be picked up.

THE DREAM

As Hernandez’s professional journey is just starting, he is most excited to keep doing what he loves.

“Every single day is an absolute blessing to be able to play baseball,” said Hernandez. 

From one moment in the Pioneer League to wearing a uniform for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization at their Single-A affiliate, the Visalia Rawhide, Hernandez’s path shows just how quickly opportunity can shift in the game of baseball.

“Anybody has a chance,” said Hernandez. “If you work hard, you can do it.” 

WRITTEN BY: NINA CORRAL