Mom Sees Hernandez Accept Mvp Trophy

This was too good to be true.

Beyond fantasy.

First, Fidel Castro’s Cuba allowed his mother to attend Game 7 of the World Series. A few hours later, 22-year-old Livan Hernandez became only the second rookie to become the World Series MVP.

“The victory, I give to her,” he said in the middle of Pro Player Stadium, shouting so his translator could hear him. “This trophy, it’s hers.”

Two years after sneaking on a flight from Mexico to Venezuela to escape Cuban baseball authorities, Hernandez had achieved the American dream. He went 2-0 in the World Series after going 2-0 in the league championship series.

Like so many Cubans, he had come to Miami and found success.

“I love you Miami!” he yelled in English as his teammates mobbed him, showing he has picked up a few words.

Just 4-1/2 months after making his major-league debut, he already has two MVP trophies, one from the Series and one from the LCS.

His mother didn’t get to see him pitch earlier this week. But she got to see him win.

“I am very happy to be here with my son and to see this last game,” she said in a statement issued after she reached the ballpark. “I want to give thanks to the Lord for making this possible.”

Conditions back in Cuba are unimaginable for U.S. players. Hernandez rode his bicycle to games. For Cubans, the only time to get big exposure is in the Olympics.

Fernandez’ error critical

It was the kind of play Tony Fernandez has made a million times.

Fernandez booted an easy ground ball in the 11th inning, on what seemed like an inning-ending double play.

“It was a play I should have made,” Fernandez said.

With the score tied 2-2, Bobby Bonilla opened the 11th with a single. Gregg Zaun failed to bunt the runner along and it looked like a terrible oversight when Craig Counsell, whose sacrifice fly had tied the game in the ninth, bounced a ball to Fernandez’s left. Fernandez charged the ball and it got past him for an error.

“The ball stayed down,” he said.

The Wright stuff

For six marvelous innings, Jaret Wright defied the odds and gave this World Series its best pitching performance. Then, with one pitch in the seventh to Bobby Bonilla, everything changed for the rookie and the Cleveland Indians.

Wright put Cleveland in position to win the Series, leaving with a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning. But the Marlins rallied to tie the game in the ninth inning and won it 3-2 in the 11th.

“Nobody on this team likes to lose,” Wright said in a somber Cleveland clubhouse. “It just didn’t work out today.”

Wright, only the seventh rookie pitcher to start a Game 7, dominated the Marlins for the first six innings with his 95 mph fastball and a wicked slider that locked up several Florida hitters.