Jay Hernandez, known for his role in the reboot of “Magnum P.I.,” is now making his way to the big screen in “The Long Game.” This inspiring sports film tells the story of a Mexican American golf team that defies the odds and emerges victorious in the 1957 Texas high school championship. Fans of Hernandez can look forward to seeing him in a different light as he takes on this underdog role.
In the movie, alongside Dennis Quaid and Cheech Marin, Hernandez portrays the character of J.B. Peña, a war veteran and school district superintendent of Mexican American descent. Despite his accomplishments, he faces discrimination when he is denied membership at the San Felipe Country Club in Del Rio, Texas, solely because of his ethnicity. Undeterred, Peña takes matters into his own hands and establishes a high school golf team called the Mustangs. This team is comprised of Mexican American teenagers who developed a passion for the sport while working as caddies at the club.
The high school championship was won by the Mexican American golf team.
In an interview, Hernandez expressed that for his character, the golf club represents a place of acceptance and serves as an aspiration.
“He served in the military, but that wasn’t enough. He’s essentially living the American dream, and yet, it still feels like it’s not enough,” Hernandez commented on Peña’s situation. “He’s constantly chasing after a moving goal post.”
“The Long Game,” directed by Julio Quintana and based on Humberto G. Garcia’s novel “Mustang Miracle,” recounts the inspiring true story of a group of Mexican American golfers from San Felipe High School. Despite facing segregation, these talented individuals defied the odds and emerged as state champions.
According to Garcia, in his book, Mexican Americans faced a similar social status as African Americans during the 1950s. They were denied entry to various establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and service establishments. Additionally, they were even prohibited from entering the buildings they had contributed to constructing. Mexican Americans were also excluded from joining country clubs and enjoying the game of golf as members.
Hernandez, who is also an executive producer of “The Long Game,” believes that the story holds significance as it portrays the diverse range of Americans.
“We are Americans, and the story of America is intertwined with immigration. It is a story of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Chinese Americans. That is what makes this country so beautiful,” he emphasized.
Off camera, Hernandez, a Los Angeles native, expresses his ongoing journey of self-discovery and understanding of identity.
“I have a strong connection to the United States. I genuinely love this country. Ever since I was a young child, my dad would proudly fly the American flag on our porch,” he explained.
However, he mentioned that his roles in front of the camera have also been influenced by his family’s cultural background, particularly on his father’s side, which is rooted in Mexico.
‘They don’t get the acknowledgment’
“I have portrayed cops and soldiers, playing various characters of that nature. Personally, this holds a special meaning for me, as my grandfather served in World War II. Unfortunately, his story, like many others, often goes untold. The contributions of Mexican Americans in the armed forces are not always recognized and acknowledged as they should be.” Hernandez expressed.
Motivated by the desire to shed light on often overlooked stories, Hernandez embarked on the journey of creating this film.
“It’s not just about border stories and criminals,” he explained. “There’s a whole other realm of narratives waiting to be shared, whether it’s about astronauts, golfers, or individuals who rise above their circumstances.”
According to Hernandez, “The Long Game” ultimately revolves around the theme of trying to fit in.
In one scene from the movie, the protagonist shares an experience in Mexico where young golfers of Mexican American descent face a unique challenge. In Mexico, they are not acknowledged as full Mexicans, while in the United States, they are not fully recognized as Americans either.
“They don’t receive full acceptance as individuals,” Hernandez explained. “They are always portrayed as the outsiders in the narrative.”
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