Enrique Hernández (baseball)
A versatile and charismatic Puerto Rican utility man whose clutch postseason hitting became a signature for championship Dodgers teams.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Puerto Rican baseball player·Birthday: August 24·Millennials
Biography
Enrique 'Kiké' Hernández built a major league career not on a single position, but on a contagious energy and a knack for timely hits. Drafted by the Houston Astros, he truly found his identity after being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In Los Angeles, his willingness to play anywhere on the field—second base, shortstop, all three outfield spots—made him an invaluable piece of the puzzle for a perennial contender. Hernández's legacy, however, is etched in October. He developed a reputation as a postseason performer, with a particular affinity for the Boston Red Sox's Green Monster during a 2021 playoff run that showcased his power. After a stint in Boston, he returned to the Dodgers, his joyful demeanor and defensive flexibility embodying the modern role player who can change a game with one swing or one spectacular catch.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Enrique was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Enrique Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Enrique's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
- Hit three home runs in Game 5 of the 2017 NLCS for the Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs.
- Played every defensive position except pitcher and catcher during his time with the Dodgers, showcasing remarkable versatility.
- Recorded a key pinch-hit, three-run homer in Game 2 of the 2021 ALCS for the Boston Red Sox.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Kiké' (pronounced KEE-keh) is a common Puerto Rican nickname for 'Enrique'.
He and his father are both named Enrique José Hernández González; he is 'Junior'.
He is known for wearing vibrant, colorful custom cleats during games.
He played for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
“I'll play wherever you need me, just get me in the lineup.”
