In a star-studded Mount Carmel lineup with four players committed to high-major Division I schools, Logan Fernandez might seem easy to miss. However, Fernandez, a senior outfielder and Triton commit, holds his own as the Caravan’s third batter. Despite lacking the physical stature of some teammates, he relishes proving skeptics wrong.
“I’m just a kid from the city,” Fernandez shares. “Being surrounded by players with more spotlight has never fazed me. I focus on playing my game.” Fernandez has consistently excelled for the Caravan, tallying a 30-10 record. They face Libertyville in a Class 4A state semifinal Friday at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.
Fernandez stands out with a .385 batting average, 39 RBIs, and 33 runs. He has also hit seven doubles and two home runs. “I keep things simple,” Fernandez explains. “Sticking with what works and avoiding overthinking is key. Many get lost in their heads, but I try to just play.”
A situation against Sandburg illustrates Fernandez’s impact. In an eight-inning victory, Sandburg intentionally walked Illinois recruit Joey Ireland to face Fernandez. He responded with a two-run double, increasing Mount Carmel’s lead to 3-0 before Sandburg forced extra innings.
“I saw it as disrespect,” Fernandez says. “With our lineup, it’s tough to intentionally walk anyone. We can all hit.” Coach Brian Hurry affirms Fernandez’s reliability. “Logan is a great, consistent hitter and delivers when needed,” Hurry states.
Fernandez began high school at Jones before transferring to Mount Carmel after freshman year. “Travel ball with Mount Carmel players made me eager to join,” Fernandez recalls. “It feels like I’ve been here all along.”
The senior-packed Caravan has come far since losing to state champion Providence in 2024. Now, they aim to achieve state success for the first time since 2015. “The last two years improved us,” Fernandez observes. “As seniors, this outcome was expected.”
Mount Carmel was the fourth seed in the Brother Rice Sectional, defeating St. Laurence and the Crusaders for supersectional advancement. Senior pitcher Jake Matise, a Lewis recruit, acknowledges the journey. “We’re exhausted but ready to win the last two games for state,” Matise asserts.
Fernandez is eager to contribute. “I love this team. Reaching state with them means everything,” he declares. “We recognize our strength and must continue our approach.”