Within Mount Carmel’s standout baseball lineup, Logan Fernandez might be easily overlooked. Despite his senior status, some teammates grab more attention. They boast physical size and higher profiles. Yet Fernandez attracts his own recognition as the team’s consistent No. 3 hitter.
Fernandez is a senior outfielder committed to Triton. His journey has often involved underestimation. As Fernandez acknowledges, “I’m just a kid from the city.” Despite sharing the spotlight with more covered teammates, he says, “I never let that faze me. I just go out there and play ball.”
In the current season, the Caravan (30-10) prepares to face Libertyville (29-10-1) in a Class 4A state semifinal. The game is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Slammers Stadium in Joliet. Fernandez has delivered consistently for his team. He holds a .385 batting average, 39 RBIs, and 33 runs. His stats include seven doubles and two home runs.
“I’m just keeping it simple,”
Fernandez explains. His strategy is sticking with familiar approaches. He avoids overthinking his game, aiming to play without complication.
Monday’s game against Sandburg in the Crestwood Supersectional highlights his underestimated talent. In the fifth inning, with two outs and a runner on second, Sandburg chose a strategic walk. They bypassed Illinois recruit Joey Ireland to face Fernandez. However, Fernandez responded by delivering a crucial two-run double. This move helped Mount Carmel lead 3-0 before Sandburg rallied to force extra innings.
“I took that as disrespect,”
he notes. Fernandez questioned the decision to overlook any hitter in their lineup. The team boasts strong hitters one through nine.
Coach Brian Hurry appreciates Fernandez’s reliability as a hitter. “Logan has been such a great hitter for us,” he says. Fernandez’s steadiness and consistency bring results to the team.
Fernandez transferred from Jones to Mount Carmel after his freshman year. Joining familiar faces in the team seemed exciting to him. He states, “Now it’s like I never transferred in. It feels like I’ve been here the whole time.”
As sophomores in 2024, Fernandez and other seniors were on varsity. That year ended in a loss to Providence, the eventual 4A state champion. Now, the senior-laden Caravan returns to state for the first time since 2015. “It really showed that over the last two years, the boys got better,” Fernandez comments. Their growth as a team happens to match their expectations.
To reach the supersectional, Mount Carmel overcame strong opponents like St. Laurence and the host Crusaders. It was a challenging journey. Senior pitcher Jake Matise reflects on their efforts. “It’s draining but we have two more to win,” he says. The team aims to channel every ounce of strength into the final two games to become state champions.
Fernandez remains committed to his team’s success. “I love this team and all these guys,” he expresses. The shared goal of reaching state energizes him. Trusting in the team’s capability, they aim to maintain their momentum.
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