In a Mount Carmel baseball lineup filled with high-profile recruits, Logan Fernandez might seem easy to overlook. Despite his modest physical stature, the senior outfielder is a committed player for Triton. He is the team’s No. 3 hitter, a position earned through consistent performance. Fernandez acknowledges the challenge of playing alongside teammates who often get more attention.

I’m just a kid from the city, Fernandez stated. I’ve always been surrounded by kids who have a little more of a spotlight than me. I’ve never let that faze me. I just go out there and play ball.

Fernandez has proven to be a reliable star for the Caravan, boasting a 30-10 record as they prepare to face Libertyville in the Class 4A state semifinal at Slammers Stadium. He ranks third on the team with a .385 batting average and 39 RBIs, while also having 33 runs, seven doubles, and two home runs to his name.

Stealth Performance

Fernandez shines in crucial moments. In the state semifinal match against Sandburg, the opposing team chose to intentionally walk Illinois recruit Joey Ireland to pitch to him. Fernandez made them pay with a two-run double that gave Mount Carmel a 3-0 lead.

I took that as disrespect, Fernandez said. It’s kind of hard to intentionally walk anybody on our team. We’re all hitters.

Coach Brian Hurry appreciates Fernandez’s steady contributions. Logan has been such a great hitter for us, he remarked. He’s so steady and consistent and he’s come through for us many times.

Path to Growth

Fernandez initially started his high school career at Jones before transferring to Mount Carmel. Familiarity with some team members through travel ball made the transition smooth. It feels like I’ve been here the whole time, he mentioned. The team, fortified by senior players, aims for greatness after their earlier loss in 2024. Fernandez believes their hard work is paying off.

We’re all better. We’re all seniors. This was the expected outcome for us this time, he added.

With Mount Carmel seeded fourth in the Brother Rice Sectional, they had to overcome opponents like St. Laurence to reach the supersectional. Senior pitcher Jake Matise knows it’s been a tough journey but states, It’s draining, but we have two more to win.

For Fernandez, playing with this team means everything. We know how good of a team we have, and we just need to keep doing what we’ve been doing, he concluded.