Juan Miguel Fernandez Anchoring Sharks Pitching Staff
Juan Miguel Fernandez is having a breakout season for the Miami Dade College baseball team.
The sophomore is the crown jewel of the Sharks starting staff with a sterling 8-1 record, 73 strikeouts and a 2.67 earned run average. Those numbers lead the team in wins and strikeouts; he is second in ERA.
Fernandez’s performance is a major reason the team rebounded after a 9-12 start and is now three games above .500 with a 24-21 record. Since March, the Sharks have posted a 15-9 mark and they are 6-1 during that stretch when Fernandez pitched.
In that span, the right-hander pitched in at least six innings, five times, including a seven inning, 10 strikeout performance versus Hillsborough Community College on March 30. The Sharks won that game 6-1.
“You are the one who starts the game,” Fernandez said. “It all depends on you and how the game flows, so you can’t lose focus and you have to do your best.”
The 23-year-old was born and raised in Mayabeque, Cuba. He started playing the sport when he was five as a third baseman before eventually moving to the mound. Fernandez suited up for the Huracanes de Mayabeque, a Cuban National Team based in San José de las Lajas, until 2021.
Last season, he was a relief pitcher at United International College in Miramar. Fernandez enjoyed a dominant season for the Eagle Rays, going 5-1 with a 1.87 ERA and 100 strikeouts out of the bullpen.
After the season, he tried out for the Sharks and earned a spot at the top of the starting rotation. He has acclimated well, seamlessly blending his four-seam fastball, changeup, curveball and a slider.
At MDC, Fernandez has quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious worker who spends weekends working on his pitch repertoire and the mental aspect of the game.
“He works super hard not just on his craft, but outside of baseball as well,” said Sharks pitching coach Andrew Cabezas. “It really speaks volumes. It really helps out with the pitching staff and you can see how people look up to him because of how hard he works.”
His batterymate on the field—catcher Geremy Garcia—has witnessed this firsthand.
“[Juan] has been a successful key for us during the season,” Garcia said. “His happiness and comradery impacts us as a team, leaving us no choice but to continue winning games.”
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