Livan Hernandez

Lore & Background

Livan Hernandez arrived in Washington as the Nationals' Opening Day starter in 2005, a symbolic role that marked the rebirth of baseball in the nation's capital. His performance that year—leading the National League in innings pitched and complete games—endeared him to fans who appreciated his durability and crafty pitching style. He was not a power pitcher, but his ability to change speeds and keep hitters off balance made him a reliable ace for a team finding its identity.

In Their Own Story

The late summer sun beat down on RFK Stadium as Livan Hernandez toed the rubber for the 120th pitch of the game. The crowd, still learning the names of their new team, rose to its feet. He tipped his cap, then delivered a slow curve that buckled the batter's knees. Strike three. Another complete game. In the dugout, his teammates shook their heads in awe—this was Livan, the man who never wanted to leave the mound. By season's end, he had thrown 246.1 innings, more than any other pitcher in the National League, and his 24 complete games over two stints with the club would become the stuff of legend in an era of pitch counts and bullpen specialization.

Reader's Guide

Livan Hernandez pitched for the Washington Nationals during two distinct periods: the inaugural 2005-2006 seasons and a later return in 2009-2010. His playing style was defined by a slow, deliberate delivery and a devastating changeup, often called a 'slow eephus' pitch. He was a workhorse, frequently throwing complete games in an era when such feats were rare. His greatest achievement as a National was being named an All-Star in 2005, a season where he led the league in innings pitched. He also threw the first pitch in Nationals history on April 4, 2005, a moment forever etched in franchise lore. His legacy is that of a fan favorite who embodied the grit and resilience of a team building its tradition from scratch. He remains a beloved figure in Nationals history, remembered for his durability and his signature slow curve that baffled hitters.

Did You Know?

• Livan Hernandez threw the first official pitch in Washington Nationals history on April 4, 2005.
• He led the National League in innings pitched in 2005 with 246.1 innings.
• Hernandez was known for his unique slow-pitch style, often throwing a 55-mph curveball that looked like a beach ball floating to the plate.
• He was the MVP of the 1997 NLCS while playing for the Florida Marlins.