Can you hear the cheers, Fernando?
I recall how they cheered back when you wore Dodgers blue.
It was mania, Fernando.
You were young and idolized like none since Sandy Koufax threw.
When you threw that magic screw
Ball you looked up and fans said “Hall of Fame” for you.

They were down two games, Fernando.
To those hated Yankees who seemed to win everything.
You’d earned a Cy Young, Fernando.
Though you struggled you came through and earned us that World Series ring.
And by eighty-six when you
Won twenty-one fans all said Cooperstown’s calling.

‘Twas a madhouse there in eighty-one,
Your games were fun, Fernando.
They were cheering there for victory,
You won game three, Fernando.
Though you never thought your arm would die,
That’s how it went.
Though you’ll never make the Hall of Fame,
You’re loved the same,
Fernando.

Now it’s been so long, Fernando,
And some said you were older than you were when you were your best.
Still you tried so hard, Fernando.
Struggling, wearing “Orioles” or “Padres” ‘cross your chest.
As you tried to fool batters,
While nursing that great left arm with which you were blessed.

‘Twas a madhouse there in eighty-one,
Your games were fun, Fernando.
They were cheering there for victory,
You won game three, Fernando.
Though you never thought your arm would die,
That’s how it went.
Though you’ll never make the Hall of Fame,
You’re loved the same,
Fernando.

‘Twas a madhouse there in eighty-one,
Your games were fun, Fernando.
They were cheering there for victory,
You won game three, Fernando.
Though you never thought your arm would die,
That’s how it went.
Though you’ll never make the Hall of Fame,
You’re loved the same,
Fernando.