Rogearvin Argelo "Roger" Bernadina (born June 12, 1984), nicknamed "The Shark,"[1][2][3] is a Dutch Curaçaoan professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also played in the KBO League for the Kia Tigers and in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Lamigo Monkeys. He was a member of the Dutch national baseball team in international competitions including the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Roger Bernadina
Bernadina with the New York Mets in 2016
Hotsand Macerata
Outfielder
Born: (1984-06-12) June 12, 1984 (age 40)
Willemstad, Curaçao
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Professional debut
MLB: June 29, 2008, for the Washington Nationals
KBO: March 31, 2017, for the Kia Tigers
CPBL: May 22, 2019, for the Lamigo Monkeys
Last appearance
MLB: September 28, 2014, Los Angeles Dodgers
KBO: October 13, 2018, Kia Tigers
CPBL: June 28, 2019, Lamigo Monkeys
MLB statistics
(through 2014 season)
Batting average.236
Home runs28
Runs batted in121
Stolen bases59
KBO statistics
(through 2018 season)
Batting average.315
Home runs47
Runs batted in181
Stolen bases64
CPBL statistics
(through 2019 season)
Batting average.256
Home runs2
Runs batted in11
Stolen bases6
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's Baseball
Representing  Netherlands
European Baseball Championship
Gold medal – first place 2007 Montjuïc National team
Gold medal – first place 2016 Hoofddorp National team
France International Baseball Tournament [fr]
Gold medal – first place 2014 Sénart [fr] National team

Career

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Washington Nationals

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Bernadina with the Nationals

Bernadina was signed at age 17 by the then-Montreal Expos as an undrafted free agent in 2001.

Bernadina was called up to the major leagues the first time on June 28, 2008 to replace the injured Lastings Milledge. His major league debut came the next day, and, batting leadoff, he hit a single to right field in his first major league at bat.[4]

Bernadina started 2009 in Triple-A, but he was called up on April 15. After appearing in two games as a defensive replacement, he started his first game of the season on April 18. In the eighth inning, he "made a spectacular catch against the wall" against the Florida Marlins and fractured his right ankle, although he earned the nickname "The Shark."[1][5] Bernadina was placed on the 15-day disabled list and later transferred to the 60-day disabled list.[6] His only action the rest of the season was playing in two games for the Gulf Coast League Nationals.[7]

After shuttling between Triple-A Syracuse and Washington several times in April 2010, Bernadina was recalled on April 28 and remained with the team the rest on the season, playing all three outfield positions. On May 12, Bernadina hit his first and second MLB home runs against the New York Mets. The second came in the ninth inning off closerFrancisco Rodriguez, giving the Nationals the lead in a game they would ultimately win. He also made a remarkable leaping catch in right field that likely robbed Met Jeff Francoeur of a bases-clearing triple.[8][9] Bernadina finished the season, which would be his career high with 134 games played, with a .246 batting average, 11 home runs, and 16 stolen bases.[10]

Bernadina's playing time lessened in 2011, and he shifted to primarily playing in center field. He finished the season with a similar batting line, hitting .243 with 7 home runs and 17 stolen bases.[10]

2012 was Bernadina’s best offensive season in MLB. He compiled a slash line of .291/.372/.405 and made a several highlight defensive plays, including a game-ending catch against the left-center field fence at Minute Maid Park on August 7.[11][12] Bernadina made his only MLB postseason appearance in 2012, going 0–2 with two walks in four pinch hit appearances as the Nationals lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series.[13]

 
Bernadina playing for the Netherlands national team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic

Bernadina's offensive production dropped off in 2013. On August 19, 2013, the Nationals released Bernadina to clear a roster spot for David DeJesus, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs.[14][6]

Philadelphia Phillies

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Two days after being released by the Nationals, Bernadina signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.[15] He hit .187 in 27 games for the Phillies. His full-season batting average was .181.[10] He was outrighted off the roster on October 16, 2013, and he elected free agency on October 17.[16][6]

Cincinnati Reds

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On January 31, 2014, Bernadina signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds that included a spring training invitation.[17] After making the opening day roster,[18] he was designated for assignment on May 3 but was called back up to the Reds on May 5 after an injury to Jay Bruce.[19][20] Bernadina was designated for assignment again on June 21.[21] On June 27, Bernadina refused assignment to the Reds' minor league system and became a free agent.[22] He hit .153 in 44 games for the Reds.[10]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On July 7, 2014, Bernadina signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[23] He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, where he hit .246 in 23 games. He was called up to the Dodgers on September 6, 2014.[24] He was used primarily as a pinch runner for the Dodgers but also had seven pinch hit at-bats. In his final MLB game on September 28, he hit a single and a home run, his only home run of the season.[25] Bernadina was left off the Dodgers' postseason roster.[26] He elected free agency after the 2014 season.[27]

Colorado Rockies

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On December 24, 2014, Bernadina signed a minor-league contract with the Colorado Rockies.[28] He played the entire 2015 season with the Isotopes, now the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate. Bernadina led the team with 62 runs batted in, 20 stolen bases, 58 walks, and tied for the lead with 20 home runs and 62 runs while also being the team's oldest position player.[29] He elected free agency on November 6.[6]

New York Mets

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On February 8, 2016, Bernadina signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization.[30] In 114 games for the Triple–A Las Vegas 51s, he batted .292/.376/.465 with 10 home runs, 55 runs batted in, and 20 stolen bases. Bernadina elected free agency following the season on November 7.[31]

Kia Tigers

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On November 24, 2016, Bernadina signed with the Kia Tigers of the KBO League.[32] He had a .320 batting average, 27 home runs, 111 runs batted in, and 32 stolen bases in the 2017 season.[33] He led the league in runs, was named a KBO All-Star, and earned a Golden Glove Award. He helped the Tigers win the Korean Series, hitting .529 with one home run five runs batted in during the postseason series.[34] On December 1, 2017, Bernadina signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Tigers.[35] In 2018, he had .310 batting average, 20 home runs, and 70 runs batted in.[36] He became a free agent after the 2018 season.

Lamigo Monkeys

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On March 30, 2019, Bernadina signed with the Ishikawa Million Stars of the Baseball Challenge League.[37][38] However, Bernadina left the Million Stars and signed with the Lamigo Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League on April 19.[39][40] He debuted with the team on May 20 and posted a .256/.365/.378 slash line across 24 games before he was released by the team on June 30, 2019.[41] He was hitless in his final 13 at bats in Taiwan.[42]

Algodoneros de Unión Laguna

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On July 16, 2019, Bernadina signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.[6] He hit .336 with four home runs in 34 games with the team.[43][44] He was released on February 6, 2020.

Quick Amersfoort

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In August 2020, Bernadina signed with Quick Amersfoort in the Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse.[45] He hit .286 in seven games in the regular season.[46]

Curaçao Neptunus

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Bernadina signed with Curaçao Neptunus in the Hoofdklasse for the 2021 season.[47] In 150 games over three seasons with Neptunus, Bernadina hit .336 with 7 home runs, 110 runs batted in, and 24 stolen bases.[48] On November 16, 2023, it was reported that Bernadina had left the club.[49]

Hotsand Macerata Angels

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On May 3, 2024, Bernadina signed with Hotsand Macerata Angels of the Italian Baseball League.[50][51] In 22 games, he hit .267 with two home runs.[52]

International career

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Bernadina represented the Netherlands national baseball team at the 2013 World Baseball Classic and 2023 World Baseball Classic.[53][54] He also played for the Dutch at several European Baseball Championships, Olympic qualifier tournaments, the 2019 WBSC Premier12, and Haarlem Baseball Week in 2022 and 2024.[52]

References

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  1. ^ a b Harlan, Chico (April 19, 2009). "Bernadina's Big Break Leads to a Bad Break". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  2. ^ "Heroes of Half Street – OF Roger Bernadina | NatsGM". September 16, 2015. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  3. ^ Visser, Seb (January 11, 2023). "Ook Roger Bernadina in voorselectie World Baseball Classic – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  4. ^ "Baltimore Orioles vs Washington Nationals Box Score: June 29, 2008". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  5. ^ "Roger Bernadina 2009 Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Roger Bernadina Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  7. ^ "2009 GCL Nationals Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  8. ^ Ladson, Bill (May 12, 2010). "Bernadina's Big Day Boosts Nationals". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2010. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  9. ^ "Washington Nationals vs New York Mets Box Score: May 12, 2010". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d "Roger Bernadina Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  11. ^ "Must C: Catch | 08/07/2012". MLB.com. August 7, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  12. ^ Kilgore, Adam (August 8, 2012). "Danny Espinosa has 3 RBI, Roger Bernadina saves win with spectacular catch in 12th". The Washington Post.
  13. ^ "Roger Bernadina 2014 Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  14. ^ Wagner, James (August 19, 2013). "Nationals acquire David DeJesus from Cubs; release Roger Bernadina (updated)". The Washington Post.
  15. ^ "Phils sign free-agent Roger Bernadina". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 21, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  16. ^ Branch, Chris (October 17, 2013). "Joyner, Samuel set for return; Phillies outright four". Courier Post. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  17. ^ Sheldon, Mark (January 31, 2014). "Bernadina latest Minors signing by Reds". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  18. ^ "Louisville Bats on Twitter". Twitter. March 29, 2014.
  19. ^ Fay, John (May 5, 2014). "Reds' move official: Bruce on DL, Bernadina recalled". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  20. ^ Wilmoth, Charlie (May 5, 2014). "Bernadina Clears Waivers, Will Rejoin Reds Tuesday". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  21. ^ Rosecrans, C. Trent (June 21, 2014). "Reds call up Carlos Contreras, DFA Roger Bernadina". Cincinnati Enqurier. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  22. ^ Rosecrans, C. Trent (June 27, 2014). "C. Trent Rosecrans on Twitter". Twitter.
  23. ^ Hernandez, Dylan (September 6, 2014). "Dodgers add outfielder Roger Bernadina to bench". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  24. ^ Gurnick, Ken (September 6, 2014). "Dodgers add Bernadina". MLB.com. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  25. ^ "Colorado Rockies vs Los Angeles Dodgers Box Score: September 28, 2014". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  26. ^ Moreno, Matthew (October 3, 2014). "Dodgers Announce 2014 NLDS 25-Man Roster". Dodgers Nation. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  27. ^ Adams, Steve (October 15, 2014). "Minor Moves: Bernadina, Diaz, Balester". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  28. ^ Polishuk, Mark (December 24, 2014). "Rockies Sign Roger Bernadina". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  29. ^ "2015 Albuquerque Isotopes Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  30. ^ Rubin, Adam (February 8, 2016). "Mets sign Roger Bernadina to minor league deal". ESPN. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  31. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2016". Baseball America. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  32. ^ Todd, Jeff (November 24, 2016). "Roger Bernadina To Sign With Korea's Kia Tigers". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  33. ^ Yoo, Jee-ho (March 8, 2018). "Baseball slugger wants to improve on strong debut season in S. Korea". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  34. ^ Visser, Seb (November 6, 2017). "Roger Bernadina wint belangrijke KBO Award – HonkbalSoftbal.nl" [Roger Bernadina wins important KBO Award]. honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  35. ^ Adams, Steve (December 1, 2017). "NPB/KBO Signings: Moya, Noesi, Bernadina, Paredes". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  36. ^ "Roger Bernadina (버나디나)". My KBO Stats. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  37. ^ "新入団選手のお知らせ". 石川ミリオンスターズ 公式ページ (in Japanese). March 30, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  38. ^ Zon, Rogier van (March 31, 2019). "Bernadina vervolgt carrière in Japan – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  39. ^ "Lamigo Monkeys Sign Outfielder Roger Bernadina". cpblstats.com. April 18, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  40. ^ Zon, Rogier van (April 18, 2019). "Bernadina naar Taiwanese profclub – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  41. ^ "Monkeys Release Roger Bernadina, Call up Matthew Grimes". cpblstats.com. June 30, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  42. ^ "The Chinese Professional Baseball League". en.cpbl.com.tw. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  43. ^ "2019 Algodoneros de Union Laguna Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  44. ^ Visser, Seb (October 31, 2019). "Bernadina: "In Mexico maken ze geen grappen" – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  45. ^ "Quick Amersfoort adds former Major Leaguer Roger Bernadina to team - Grand Slam * Stats & News Netherlands".
  46. ^ "2020 HOOFDKLASSE HONKBAL - Individual Statistics". www.knbsbstats.nl. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  47. ^ "Neptunus opens new season with shutout against Storks - Grand Slam * Stats & News Netherlands".
  48. ^ "2020 Hoofdklasse Honkbal – Individual Statistics". www.knbsbstats.nl. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  49. ^ "Roster of Curaçao Neptunus Looks Like a Revolving Door". dutchbaseballhangout.blog. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  50. ^ "Macerata Angels on Facebook". Facebook. May 3, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  51. ^ "Roger Bernadina maakt zijn debuut in Italiaanse Serie A". Fastball Magazine (in Dutch). May 4, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  52. ^ a b "World Baseball Softball Confederation - wbsc.org". www.wbsc.org. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  53. ^ Jong, Daan de (April 5, 2020). "WBC 2013: In walk-off stijl naar de winst – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  54. ^ Visser, Seb (March 8, 2023). "Koninkrijksteam opent WBC 2023 met 4-2 zege op Cuba – HonkbalSoftbal.nl". honkbalsoftbal.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
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