Underestimated Star: Logan Fernandez Shines in Mount Carmel Baseball

In a standout Mount Carmel lineup, Logan Fernandez often flies under the radar. Fernandez, a senior outfielder committed to Triton, may not have an imposing stature compared to some teammates. Yet, he is the Caravan’s No. 3 hitter for a reason.

“I’m just a kid from the city,” Fernandez said. “I’ve always been surrounded by kids with more spotlight. I’ve never let it faze me. I just go out there and play ball.”

Fernandez has consistently contributed to the Caravan’s successful season. Their record stands at 30-10, as they prepare to face Libertyville (29-10-1) in a Class 4A state semifinal at Slammers Stadium in Joliet this Friday at 7 p.m.

Fernandez ranks third on the team with a .385 batting average and 39 RBIs and is fourth in runs with 33. He has also hit seven doubles and two home runs. “I’m just keeping it simple,” Fernandez said. “Sticking with what works and trying not to overthink. I try to play in a ‘dummy mode’ where I’m not overthinking.”

An incident on Monday in a game against Sandburg highlights why underestimating Fernandez is a mistake. In the Crestwood Supersectional, an intentional walk on teammate Joey Ireland led to Fernandez hitting a two-run double, giving Mount Carmel a 3-0 lead. “I took that as disrespect,” Fernandez remarked. “Our lineup is solid from one through nine. We can all get it done.”

Coach Brian Hurry has confidence in Fernandez. “Logan has been a great hitter for us,” Hurry said. “He’s steady, consistent, and has come through time and again.”

Fernandez started at Jones High School but transferred to Mount Carmel after his freshman year. “I played travel ball with some Mount Carmel guys and knew their potential,” Fernandez said. “It’s like I’ve been here the whole time.”

The senior group, including Fernandez, was on the varsity team as sophomores in 2024, when they lost to the eventual state champion. Now they have led Mount Carmel back to the state for the first time since 2015. “It showed that in two years, we improved,” Fernandez said. “We’re all seniors now. This was expected for us.”

Mount Carmel, seeded fourth in the Brother Rice Sectional, defeated St. Laurence and the host Crusaders to reach the supersectional before facing Sandburg. Senior pitcher Jake Matise, a Lewis recruit, commented on the journey. “It’s draining, but we have two more to win,” Matise said. “We’ll give everything we have in these last two games to win state.”

For Fernandez, it’s about the team. “I love this team and the guys,” he said. “It means everything to reach state with them. We know our strength, and we need to continue doing what we’ve been doing.”