Felix Hernandez Inducted into Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in Emotional Ceremony
![Felix Hernandez Inducted into Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in Emotional Ceremony Felix Hernandez Inducted into Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in Emotional Ceremony](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MjAwMDU2NjAzMTg4MTQzMjEy/usatsi_21195545_168388303_lowres.jpg)
After spending 15 years in Seattle, Felix Hernandez took his place in the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
It was an emotional tribute - and speech - that took multiple different layers and turns. You can watch everything that took place through the course of this post.
Hernandez is one of the most revered players in team history. He went 169-136 lifetime, playing for some mostly bad Mariners teams. He had a career 3.42 ERA, made six All-Star teams, won two ERA titles and won a Cy Young award.
Sadly, Hernandez never got the chance to pitch in the postseason, as the M's failed to make the playoffs from 2002-2021, spanning the entirety of his career and then some.
He debuted in 2005 at the age of 19 and retired after the 2019 season.
He joined Ichiro Suzuki, Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Jamie Moyer, Lou Piniella, Jay Buhner, Alvin Davis and Dave Niehaus in the Hall of Fame.
The ceremony started with an awesome tribute video showing some of Hernandez's best highlights and biggest accomplishments in an M's uniform:
Shaped by dedication.
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 13, 2023
Crafted by intensity.
Forged by domination.
The time has come to crown the King. pic.twitter.com/EMlLvMDjpV
Then after some words by longtime Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs, it was time for another video tribute, this time from some dedicated fans from the "King's Court' cheering section that rooted for Hernandez for years.
The King and his Court. A bond unlike any other. #HappyFélixWeekend pic.twitter.com/GTrdjYWTXe
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 13, 2023
There were also several video messages played for Hernandez both before and during the game, including from Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro, Salvador Perez, Mike Trout, Mitch Haniger and more.
There was also a surprise visit from former Mariner and Felix's longtime friend Adrian Beltre.
Some of baseball’s best had special messages for @RealKingFelix last night, including an unforgettable surprise from Adrián Beltré. #HappyFélixWeekend pic.twitter.com/WpMb3vVOdI
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 13, 2023
And Hernandez delivered an emotional speech in which he shouted out the Mariners fans as well.
"You are the greatest fans in the world" - @RealKingFelix#HappyFélixWeekend pic.twitter.com/tavUdDznmh
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 13, 2023
Sadly, the Mariners lost the game 1-0 but they'll take on the Orioles again on Sunday afternoon at 4:10 p.m. ET.
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