During the sixth inning of the New York Mets' recent game against the Kansas City Royals, broadcast analyst Keith Hernandez shared a personal reflection on the end of his family's lineage. While discussing the concept of generational names with SNY play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen, Hernandez expressed a sense of melancholy about his family name not continuing.
Hernandez, 71, stated that his two children are in their 40s and are unlikely to have children themselves, meaning the "family line is burnt." He elaborated that while he has two grandchildren from his adopted daughter, his two biological daughters have not had children and likely will not.
"My brother and I are done, we're done," Hernandez said on air, referencing that he and his brother Gary, who also has children unlikely to have offspring, represent the end of the Hernandez line. He described the situation as "a terrible waste," particularly in relation to athletic gifts.
Hernandez, a respected figure in baseball, has been an analyst for SNY since 2006, earning three Emmy awards for his work. Prior to his broadcasting career, he played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, notably with the Mets, Cardinals, and Indians. He was a five-time All-Star, a two-time World Series champion, and the 1979 National League MVP.
His brother, Gary Hernandez, also had a connection to baseball, playing collegiately and spending time in the minor leagues.
The Mets are currently in the midst of a challenging season, holding a 38-54 record. The broadcast comments come as the team navigates a difficult period, with Hernandez's personal reflection adding another layer to the current atmosphere surrounding the club.