Cal State LA Athletics

A former pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, Chris Hernandez returns for a fifth season with the Cal State L.A. baseball staff in 2017 as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

He helped lead a pitching staff that turned in a historic performance in 2015 when the Golden Eagles won 12 more games than they did in 2014 and were one of the most improved teams in the NCAA Division II. Cal State L.A. finished with a 28-20 overall record and a 23-17 mark in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

The team’s earned run average dropped from 5.84 in 2014 to 3.87 in 2015 and allowed 90 fewer runs that it did in 2014. The 3.87 earned run average was the lowest for Cal State L.A. in more than 25 years.

Hernandez was a big part of a historic season for the Golden Eagles in 2013 when Cal State L.A. captured its first-ever CCAA championship tournament title and qualified for the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2007. Hernandez helped the Golden Eagles compile a 35-22 overall record that included a 28-12 mark in conference.

Hernandez guided the pitching staff to a team earned run average of 4.46, which was the lowest for the program since the 2007 season. The team earned run average in conference was 3.97.

Hernandez helped pull together an injury-plagued pitching staff in 2014 that saw 16 players see time on the mound for the Golden Eagles.

Hernandez came to Cal State L.A. from Riverside City College, where he was the pitching coach for two years. He helped guide teams to consecutive playoff appearances and led pitching staffs that ranked near the top of the state for earned run average, strikeouts, opponent batting average, home runs allowed and walks allowed. During his time at RCC, Hernandez helped develop one All-Conference pitcher and had three pitchers drafted.

Hernandez was drafted in the 22^nd round by the Pirates in 2003. He enjoyed a six-year career with the Pirates and reached the Triple-A level. He was part of two championship teams in the Pirates’ organization and was named to two All-Star teams. He finished his career with a 23-15 record with 56 saves and a 3.22 ERA while appearing in 230 games.

In 2007, he played in the Arizona Fall League with the Phoenix Desert Dogs and was on a championship team. He was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 13 appearances.

Hernandez also played in the Venezuelan Winter League for five seasons.

He played collegiately at the University of South Carolina for two seasons under head coach Ray Tanner and helped the team reach the College World Series both years. During his junior season, South Carolina won the South Eastern Conference Championship and made a trip to the College World Series, finishing second in the nation. During his senior season, South Carolina made another trip to the College World Series and finished sixth in the nation.

While at South Carolina, Hernandez compiled a 6-6 record with two saves in 38 appearances and had a 3.51 ERA. He earned the Tom Price Award for hard work and dedication and was named to the Dean’s List. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology.

Hernandez also played for two seasons at RCC under head coach Dennis Rogers and was on two state championship teams. He earned All-Orange Empire Conference honors both years and compiled a 14-5 record with three saves and a 3.00 ERA.

Hernandez graduated from Redlands High School, where he was a two-time All-Citrus Belt League selection. He and his wife, Robin, have two children, 13-year-old Angelina and 5-year-old Bobby.