Fernandez receives Adenhart Award, set for Aflac game

Posted Aug 15, 2010 by Adam Adkins

Updated Aug 15, 2010 at 11:38 AM

Alonso pitcher Jose Fernandez will take the mound at some point tonight in the Aflac All-American Baseball Classic, a high school baseball all-star game featuring some of the nation’s most talented players. And he’ll do so less than 24 hours after receiving a special honor.

During the game’s annual award’s banquet, which was held Saturday night, Fernandez was presented with the Perfect Game Nick Adenhart Award, which is presented to the player who best exemplifies the overall spirit and character of a true Aflac All-American.

The award bears the name of the former major leaguer, an Aflac All-American alum, who died in an automobile accident hours after making his first big-league start for the Los Angeles Angels in May 2009. This was the second year the award was presented.

On Friday, a day after arriving on the West Coast, Fernandez took some time for a quick Q & A to share his thoughts on playing in the prestigious event.

Tonight’s game, played at San Diego’s PETCO Park, will air live on Fox Sports Net beginning at 8 p.m.

How exciting is it to be out there and playing in this game?
I’m so excited. I think this is a good chance to show the work that me, my high school coach, my personal trainer that we were waiting for, to give the opportunity for us.

How surprised were you to get an invite?
I didn’t even know that they were going to invite me. I just went and pitched at Perfect Game (National Showcase) and after the second day when we were there, they were just, ‘Mr. Fernandez, we are going to invite you to the Aflac tournament, and I was like, ‘Sure, I want to go.’ I’m proud. I just feel great.

Other than playing in that Perfect Game National Showcase, what have you been doing this summer?
Just practicing a lot, like every year. Just working on my pitches, working hard.

What are you hoping to gain from this game?
I came here because I love baseball and I want to play baseball all the time. This is a good game, there is a lot of talent here, the pitchers are good guys, they’re good, they throw hard and they play baseball good.

I know you like a challenge. How much are you looking forward to going up against some hitters who are regarded as some of the best in high school baseball?
I’m going to do my job. I’m ready to pitch to everybody, anybody who wants to face me. I am ready to pitch. It’s what I know best.

Have they told you how much work you’ll get in the game?
It’s either going to be one or two innings. I don’t think it will be more than two.