Felix Hernandez

Lore & Background

On August 15, 2012, Hernández threw the 23rd perfect game in MLB history, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field by a 1-0 score. Hernández's perfect game was also the first perfect game in Seattle Mariners franchise history. On April 23, 2016, Hernández claimed the record for most strikeouts by a Mariners pitcher when he struck out Rafael Ortega of the Los Angeles Angels for his 2,163rd strikeout. The previous Mariners record of 2,162 strikeouts had been held by Randy Johnson. Hernández's 146th win, which occurred on May 9, gave him the club record in that category as well. For a decade, Hernández was one of the best pitchers in baseball. He was also a fan favorite in Seattle. Known for his durability, Hernández started 30 or more games in each of 10 consecutive seasons. Beginning at age 30, he experienced a series of injuries, a decrease in fastball velocity, and an increase in earned run average. After leaving the Mariners in 2019, Hernández signed with the Atlanta Braves and then with the Baltimore Orioles; however, he did not pitch in the major leagues again.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over Safeco Field as Hernandez stepped onto the mound for the final out of August 15, 2012. He adjusted his cap, feeling the weight of twenty-seven batters facing zero hits or walks behind him. The catcher signaled a low sinker. Felix wound up and released; the ball dipped sharply into the dirt. The batter swung and missed. For a moment, there was silence, then an eruption of noise that shook the concrete foundations.

Reader's Guide

Hernández was born on April 8, 1986, in Valencia, Venezuela. He was first spotted by Luis Fuenmayor, a part-time Mariners scout who saw him pitching at age 14 in a tournament near Maracaibo. Fuenmayor recommended Hernández to fellow scouts Pedro Avila and Emilio Carrasquel. The Seattle Mariners signed Hernandez as soon as he turned 16, in accordance with MLB rules. After graduating from high school, Hernández agreed to his first professional contract. Mariners director of international operations Bob Engle signed Hernández as an international free agent on July 4, 2002. Hernández received a large signing bonus of $710,000, although he said the Mariners were not the highest bidder. Other teams trying to sign him included the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves, with both teams reportedly offering more money than Seattle. One reason Hernández chose the Mariners was that his idol, fellow Venezuelan pitcher Freddy García, was pitching for the team at the time. His agent, Wil Polidor, also attributed the decision to the influence of Hernández's father, Félix Sr., a trucking business owner who handled negotiations for his son. Engle and the other Mariners scouts had cultivated a relationship with the family to explain their plans for Félix and earn the family's trust. In 2003, Hernández pitched to a 7–2 mark for the Class A Everett AquaSox and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. He was named the Mariners' minor league pitcher of the year in 2004, a season that also saw him make an appearance in the Futures Game. He started the 2004 season with the Inland Empire 66ers in the California League before being promoted to the Double-A San Antonio Missions. He finished a combined 14–4 with a 2.95 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 1491⁄3 innings pitched. Hernández was dubbed "King Felix" by the U.S.S. Mariner fan blog in 2003. At the beginning of 2005, Baseball America listed Hernández as the best pitching prospect in baseball and the second-best overall prospect behind future Hall of Famer Joe Mauer. In 2005, Hernández posted a 9–4 record with a league-leading 2.25 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 88 innings for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. He was selected for the Triple-A All-Star Game but did not participate due to injury. He was also named the PCL Rookie of the Year and PCL Pitcher of the Year. Soon after returning from his injury, Hernández was called up to the major leagues by the Mar

Did You Know?

• Hernández threw the 23rd perfect game in MLB history on August 15, 2012, the first in Mariners franchise history.
• He holds the Mariners franchise records for strikeouts (2,163) and wins (146).
• Hernández was dubbed "King Felix" by the U.S.S. Mariner fan blog in 2003.
• He was the youngest pitcher to appear in the majors since José Rijo in 1984, debuting at 19 years, 118 days.