King Félix to be inducted into Mariners Hall of Fame

January 11th, 2023

SEATTLE -- The King will ascend to his rightful place in Mariners history. The club on Wednesday announced that will be the 11th member enshrined into its Hall of Fame.

The induction will take place during a pregame ceremony ahead of Seattle’s Aug. 12 game against the Orioles at T-Mobile Park, capping a weekend-long celebration of Hernández’s illustrious career. At age 36, Hernández will be the youngest enshrined, joining the overall group of (in order of induction) Alvin Davis, Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson, Ken Griffey Jr., Lou Piniella, Jamie Moyer, and Ichiro Suzuki.

Beloved in this region for more both his heroics on the field and his loyalty to the community off it, Hernández spent his entire 15-year career in Seattle, where he blossomed into one of his generation’s greatest pitchers. He was a six-time All-Star and the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, finishing runner-up in ’09 and ’14.

Hernández made 211 starts at T-Mobile Park, more than any other pitcher at any other single ballpark since his debut in 2005. In those outings, Hernández went 91-65 with a 3.25 ERA, while striking out 1,348 and walking only 388 over 1,422 2/3 innings. His most recent appearances here have been among the most emotional, headlined by his final start in 2019 and capped with him throwing out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of ALDS Game 3 in October.

Overall, he was 169-136 with a 3.42 ERA and 2,524 strikeouts in 2,729 2/3 innings over 419 games, including MLB’s most recent perfect game on Aug. 15, 2012, which in part is why the induction ceremony is being held close to its anniversary.

Hernández signed with Seattle at age 14 out of Valencia, Venezuela, and skyrocketed through the Minors in just two-plus years, making his debut at age 19 in 2005. His brilliance -- and dominance -- made his outings must-watch.

The Mariners Hall of Fame was created to honor the players, staff and other individuals that greatly contributed to the history of the Mariners franchise. To be eligible for selection, a player must have been active in a Mariners uniform for at least five seasons and be retired as a player at least two years.

In addition to a player’s impact on the field, other considerations for possible induction include his positive impact on the Northwest community outside of baseball and a player’s positive impact in enhancing the image of the Mariners and/or MLB.

“Fans were captivated by Félix from his first start in 2005 until his final pitch in 2019 with every game of his career in a Mariner uniform,” Mariners chairman and managing partner John Stanton said in a statement. “He cemented his place in Mariners history with our only perfect game on August 15, 2012 -- a day our fans will never forget.

“Félix provided thousands of unforgettable memories throughout his 418 starts, including winning the 2010 Cy Young Award and his improbable 2008 grand slam home run to beat the Mets. His induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame in August -- 10 years after his perfect game -- symbolizes Félix’s permanent place in the Mariners family and our history.”

For more information, visit Mariners.com/Felix.