On Friday, May 3, 2013, Cheltenham senior Rafael Fernandez was recognized at a special news conference for signing a letter of intent to play baseball at Chestnut Hill College.
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Rafael Fernandez – Chestnut Hill College (Baseball)
Major: Marketing
Final list of colleges: Chestnut Hill, University of Tampa, Shippensburg, St. John’s
Reasons for choosing Chestnut Hill: “Chestnut Hill was interested and sent me a lot of mail, so I figured – why not give it a shot? They were the first ones to accept me. I took a tour of the campus, and I liked what I saw. It was nice and small and community-based.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate baseball? “I had dreams of playing in college 
when I was in Cedarbrook Middle School. Once I got into my freshman year, that’s when it got real for me. I thought to myself, ‘If I can make it through these four years and do a good job and keep doing what I need to do, I’ll make it to the college level.’ I just did what I needed to do.”
Coach Frank Decembrino says: “We actually called on Rafael as a sophomore to play shortstop because he earned the opportunity to do that, and ever since, he has been our shortstop, which is remarkable in itself. It’s the hardest position on the field, and the way he took it on as a 10th grader was really impressive. He got all-league votes from the coaches in the league and pretty much became our mainstay there.
“His consistency has been his best feature. When things are shaky or he does something physically or even mentally wrong, he overworks to make it right. He takes accountability for himself, and I think that’s a rarity in people his age. It’s not somebody else’s fault - Rafael looks you right in the eye and makes it right.
“I was happy he chose Chestnut Hill. They play wooden bat college baseball. He’s a tough out offensively, and I think he will actually do better in a wooden bat league because his game won’t change the way he hits and draws attention from pitchers. Also, baseball in wooden bat leagues is about defense and making the plays that are hit at you, and I think he’s going to have a lot of opportunities, and he’s going to get better as he gets older. I think the coaching staff there will give him a chance to work hard to get better and support him.”
About Rafael:
Favorite food: Peanut butter and jelly
Favorite movie: Gran Torino
Favorite music: Hip Hop/Rap
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