New York Mets legend Keith Hernandez has claimed that he still receives a substantial check each year for his legendary appearance on Seinfeld. Hernandez is widely regarded as one of the best defensive first basemen in the history of the sport. During his illustrious career, the infielder collected an impressive 11 Gold Glove awards.
Hernandez was also a key player on two World Series teams. He first helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a title in 1982 before joining the Mets a year later. With New York, Hernandez collected three RBIs in game seven of the 1986 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. As a result of his importance to the championships, the two teams both elected him to their Hall of Fames.
Yet many people, particularly outside of the sports world, only know Hernandez from his appearance on the hit 90’s TV show Seinfeld. In a 1992 episode called “The Boyfriend,” the baseball legend played a fictionalized version of himself. Jerry Seinfeld, who is a massive Mets fan in real life, befriends Hernandez in the show. Things, however, go south when the star ends up dating Elaine, and Kramer accuses Keith of spitting on him after a Mets game.
During a recent appearance on SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina, Hernandez was asked how much money he receives from the appearance. “It varies, but I can tell you on an annual basis what it is,” responded Hernandez. “It’s close to $5,000 still. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Remember one thing: I was the guest star.”
Keith Hernandez was Jerry Seinfeld’s New York Mets Idol
GettyKeith Hernandez landed the role on Seinfeld due to his leadership with the Mets.
Jerry previously explained why Hernandez was specifically chosen for the role in an interview with Rich Eisen. “The idea was, who would be the ultimate catch for me that we could do this story of Jerry trying to seduce — for lack of a better word — me wanting to be with someone I idolize or heroize or something,” Seinfeld explained in 2024, as reported by Awful Announcing.
“And for me, being a Mets fan, as you are, Keith in 1990…he was my idol; he was my hero. I loved the way he would captain the infield. He was such a great team captain.”
After hanging up his cleats, Hernandez eventually moved to the booth as an analyst for SNY. The beloved Mets color commentator most recently finished his 20th year with the network. Although there was speculation regarding his future during the offseason, Hernandez agreed to a three-year contract extension with SNY in February. He will now be analyzing 95 annual Mets games for the network through the 2028 season.
Hernandez Also Helping Mets on the Field
On top of his analyst duties, Hernandez is also helping new Mets first baseman Jorge Polanco adjust to the position. The slugger will be New York’s main player at first base despite having never played the role during his 15 years as a professional.
Polanco recently revealed that he sought advice from the former Gold Glove winner ahead of the 2026 season. The newcomer labeled Hernandez as a “very nice guy and very humble” following the discussion. New York and Polanco will begin the new campaign against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26.
Mets Great Keith Hernandez Reveals Annual ‘Seinfeld’ Earnings