Grandpa Bandit Joined Heaven’s Line-Up; April 25, 2009
Two years ago today, “Grandpa” Bandit Larry Hernandez Sr. also known as the “A Team” and “Popper” joined our Lord’s loving arms and care in Heaven Saturday April 25. He passed away at 8:45 AM. He had been diagnosed with terminal renal kidney failure in 2002. He went through dialysis every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in sessions that required he be picked up at his house at 4:15 AM and would last until 8:45 AM. “Popper” began his baseball spectator days in 1963 watching his Sons play. He then continued his supportive parental role watching his Sons coach first at Ponder Park in 1971 and then at Grandview beginning in 1978 and he was a staunch Bandit Fan and supporter from day one in 1989 traveling to tournaments first for his Grandson Champ and all the way through 2006 well after Champ had completed playing. He would drive or fly to out of town tournaments in Arizona, New Mexico and throughout Texas. He often sat alone in his lawn chair enjoying players share this part of their life journey. He was a quiet controlled man who waited to be spoken to rather than impose on others.
He joined his daughter Corina who passed away on April 6, 2007 in the “Angels” line-up. “Well done Popper, you definitely did it your way and made us as Proud of You as You were of us”. He spent his final 5 days at home cared for by Hospice and leaves behind a legacy of enduring mentorship for his wife Catalina, both of his Sons Jerry and Larry, his Grandson Champ and his Grandaughter Victoria.
Thank You so Much for Your Prayers for Our Family and Your Support, May God continue to Bless You and Yours!
I want to extend a Special Thank You to all our Hirby and Bandit players and Family members who came and spent time with our Family. We are most appreciative and Blessed in knowing You. My Mom struggled with the reality this moment brought in losing her husband of 55 years and joined Dad seven months later in our Lord’s Kingdom on November 23, 2009.
