Bio

Rich Hernandez, a veteran first base coach for Hart Baseball for the past 28 years, returns to the Hart dugout for another season of highlights and dog piles.  Coach Hernandez, a long-time youth coach at the Hart Pony Complex, has assisted Coach Bud Murray and Coach Ozella with a long span of victories, and the insightful Hernandez is excited to provide his mentorship for the 2025 Hawks’ squad.  

“Coach Hernandez has been a fixture in the Hart Baseball program and his years of experience provide a stable environment for our players.  Hernandez brings an energy to the yard that all players and coaches feed off of daily. His competitive nature has been passed on to many current and former players, myself included” said Coach Meza. “I am thrilled to share the same dugout with Coach Hernandez once again.”

Coach Hernandez, a retired Santa Clarita US Postal Service supervisor, and his wife Gracie reside in Saugus.  Coach Hernandez’ two sons Brian and Brandon played baseball for competing schools in the Santa Clarita Valley and made their mark as top-notch players for their respective schools. Brian pitched for Hart in 1996-1997 winning Foothill League Pitcher of the Year, while Brandon played first base and pitched for the Centurions of Saugus. He is also a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren.