How an Unlikely Brotherhood Between Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages Is Quietly Powering the Dodgers’ Rise
When the Dodgers brought up Andy Pages to the big leagues early last season, co-hitting coach Aaron Bates immediately turned to one key player to help ease the young prospect’s transition: veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernández. That spring, Bates had already witnessed a unique bond taking shape between Pages—a determined 23-year-old who had made a surprisingly swift recovery from labrum surgery—and Hernández, an All-Star-quality veteran seeking to reignite his career after signing with the Dodgers that winter at 31.
From the outset of spring training, Pages and Hernández were inseparable at the batting cages and practically glued together in the clubhouse, sharing insights, chatting about their swings, and tackling the mental side of the game with a rare “big brother, little brother” vibe. Recognizing this connection, Bates leaned on Hernández to be more than just a teammate; he became a mentor, a sounding board, and a steady hand as Pages navigated the nuances of major league baseball.
Fast forward a year, and few pairs in the Dodgers’ locker room share such a tight-knit relationship as Hernández and Pages. They’re often found side-by-side during batting practice, exchanging defensive pointers in meetings, and end their game days walking out of the stadium together—Hernández even calls out to Pages to hurry more than once these days. Their growing camaraderie has not only strengthened their personal bond but also fueled their contributions to the Dodgers’ offense, each pushing the other to greater heights.
Pages openly talks about this connection and how Hernández’s big league experience provides invaluable guidance through both rough patches and triumphs alike. It’s a mutual respect born from shared experiences, especially among Latin American players trying to break into the majors—a bond Hernández also formed with other young talents like Miguel Vargas and Jose Ramos when he first arrived in camp.
Their on-field synergy and off-field brotherhood have made magic this season. After a tough start, both batters have surged recently, each delivering clutch hits and homers that electrify the squad—and fans. As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says, their story isn’t just about numbers, but about mentorship and the real human connection that elevates the game.
There’s something rare and genuine here. A veteran’s patience meets a rookie’s hunger. Two players, united by more than baseball, thriving together under the bright lights. And it all started with a simple call from a hitting coach who knew exactly who could help a promising talent find his footing.
Post Comment