On August 12, Félix Hernández will be inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame, becoming the 11th player to receive this honor. As the team’s all-time leader in career WAR, strikeouts, and ERA, his induction is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions to the franchise. Hernández’s six All-Star appearances and his remarkable impact on the field, despite the Mariners’ lack of playoff success during his tenure, cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history. The three-day induction event, which will coincide with a weekend series against the Orioles, includes a fireworks show, a pre-game ceremony, and a bobblehead giveaway.
Hernández’s journey to the Mariners Hall of Fame began when he was signed at just 16 years old from Valencia, Venezuela. Quickly recognized as a prodigious talent, he earned the nickname “King Félix” from blogger Dave Cameron, and the moniker became synonymous with his dominance on the mound. Félix made his major league debut at just 19, and although the Mariners struggled through a poor 2005 season, he stood out as one of the few bright spots with his powerful fastball and emerging skill set.
Despite a series of underperforming Mariners teams, Hernández’s individual brilliance never faltered. His years between 2009 and 2014 marked the peak of his career, with consistent dominance on the mound and the development of a legendary changeup that revolutionized the game. Hernández regularly struck out over 200 batters each season, and his 37.2 fWAR over that period was second only to Clayton Kershaw’s. During this time, his 2010 Cy Young win and 2012 perfect game against the Rays were among the most significant achievements in his career.
The 2010 Cy Young Award was a milestone, as it defied traditional thinking in baseball at the time. Hernández’s 13-12 win-loss record would have typically been a hindrance to Cy Young voting, but his overwhelming performance in advanced metrics made him the clear choice. This award marked a turning point in the baseball community, as it highlighted the growing importance of analytics and advanced statistics in evaluating players, especially pitchers, over traditional statistics like win-loss records.
Félix Hernández’s connection to the Mariners and their fans went beyond his performance on the field. His dynamic personality and playfulness made him a beloved figure in Seattle. From his first season, his starts became a celebrated event, and fans filled Safeco Field to watch him pitch. His loyalty to the Mariners was unquestionable, and he turned down opportunities to leave for other teams, making him a symbol of commitment and love for the city of Seattle. His iconic phrase, “Safeco Field is my house,” resonated with fans, further solidifying his place in the hearts of Mariners supporters.
Now, as he joins the Mariners Hall of Fame, Félix Hernández’s legacy is firmly established. His place alongside other franchise legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martínez, and Ichiro Suzuki is well-earned, though his number retirement may not be immediate. The Mariners have a strict policy for number retirement, but Hernández’s contribution to the team will always be remembered. While the exact future of his number 34 remains uncertain, the August induction will serve as a celebration of a player whose impact on the Mariners, both on and off the field, will never be forgotten.
