Employee Of The Month: Kevin Fernandez
January 25, 2010 • written by Laurel Fuji
Thousands of people have higher salaries than senior Kevin Fernandez, who works at the Triple Play batting cages in San Leandro. But these same people aren’t nearly as happy at their jobs as he is.
“I wouldn’t want another job in the world because I’m around what I like,” said Fernandez, who’s saving up for a tattoo.
His love for the job stems from his love for baseball.
Fernandez played varsity baseball for three years and on a traveling team for five. Even though he’s trading the baseball field for the shot put ring with track and field this spring, Fernandez is playing in a summer adult softball league in Castro Valley.
Triple Play provides five batting cages and three mini tunnels for practice pitching. With its cement floors and high ceilings, it might seem like a creepy warehouse to someone not into baseball. But to Fernandez, a die-hard baseball fan, it’s anything but.
“Since everyone who goes there likes baseball I like to talk to a lot of the customers.”
While most customers are amateurs, he met prospective Oakland Athletics player Aaron Turner, who’s attending spring training. Even as a San Francisco Giants fan, Fernandez was still awe-struck despite his distaste for the A’s.
“He shook my hand.”
More common types of customers are couples on dates and kids with their dads. Fernandez supports the family atmosphere his work provides, as he recognizes how the sport brings his own family together.
“My uncles in Hawaii have a traveling softball team. I asked if I could play with them.”
Described as a “people person” by his co-worker Tyler Machado, Fernandez feels for customers who complain about having to shell out $3.75 for 18 pitches.
“We just say sorry. There’s nothing we can do because we’re really like the only batting cages in the Bay Area besides in San Ramon.”
He admitted he’d change the prices if he owned Triple Play.
Even though he’s not the boss, his job at the batting cages is still versatile, as it allows him to perfect his mopping skills, operate a cash register, work with a variety of ages and use chemicals. He protects the motors in the pitching machines from rubber build up from the rubber balls with the chemical acetone.
He does it all without complaining and has his friends with him when it’s rough.
“My boss is my best friend. He got me the job.”
Triple Play takes advantage of the 18 hours per week they have with Fernandez, who has an imposing stature.
“He’s Hawaiian. We use him as security sometimes,” Machado said.
In return, Fernandez takes advantage of what Triple Play offers when work is slow.
“I hit because I can hit for free,” he said. “I like something to do to clear my mind. It is kind of relaxing.”
But working can have its downsides, like taking out the trash by yourself at night.
“It’s pretty scary because it’s in an alley. It’s pretty spooky.”
It’s still not as scary as cleaning up after birthday parties, something his stature can’t protect him against.
“They leave cake on the floor. The floor is wet because they spill stuff and I have to pick stuff up with my hands…Kids are fun but they don’t listen. Adults comprehend what I’m saying.”
He appreciates the experiences from work, like mopping up cake and meeting almost-famous people, even though it means less time with friends.
“It’s satisfying to be a working man.”
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