Félix Hernández, born in Valencia, Venezuela, was the undisputed ace of the Seattle Mariners for more than a decade. The left-hander won the Cy Young Award in 2010 with a record of 13-12, proving that greatness isn’t always measured by wins alone. But his most memorable moment came on August 27, 2012, when he threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, cementing his place among the greatest Latin pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
From Venezuela to Seattle
Félix Hernández arrived with the Seattle Mariners in 2005 at just 19 years old, fresh from the Venezuelan Baseball League. He quickly became the cornerstone of the franchise, earning the nickname «King Félix» among Pacific Northwest fans. His combination of a powerful fastball, devastating slider, and exceptional control made him virtually unhittable during his prime. For years, he was consistently ranked among the top five pitchers in the American League.
The 2010 Cy Young: Excellence Against the Odds
The 2010 season was unique in Félix Hernández’s career. With a record of 13-12, many expected him to be overlooked for the Cy Young, but his overall numbers were undeniable: 249.2 innings pitched, 232 strikeouts, and a 2.27 ERA. His dominance was so complete that voters recognized the Mariners’ lack of offensive support. That award confirmed Félix Hernández was an elite-level pitcher, comparable to any hurler of his generation on the world stage.
The Perfect Game of 2012
On August 27, 2012, Félix Hernández etched his name into baseball history. Facing the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field, the Venezuelan right-hander threw a perfect game: 27 consecutive outs with no runners allowed. Using 148 pitches, Félix Hernández became the first Mariners pitcher ever to accomplish this feat and the 23rd perfect game in Major League history. It was the culmination of years of consistency and dominance.
Seattle Legacy and Latino Baseball Impact
Félix Hernández spent 16 seasons with the Seattle Mariners (2005-2019), earning the respect of fans, teammates, and opponents alike. He accumulated over 2,500 strikeouts with the team and was an eight-time All-Star. His presence elevated the profile of Latino baseball on the West Coast and proved that a Venezuelan pitcher could be the face of a franchise for nearly two decades. Though the Mariners never won a World Series during his era, Félix Hernández left a legacy of excellence and professionalism that transcends championships.
| Season | Team | W-L | ERA | Strikeouts | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Seattle Mariners | 13-12 | 2.27 | 232 | Cy Young Award |
| 2012 | Seattle Mariners | 13-12 | 3.06 | 223 | Perfect Game (Aug 27) |
| 2009 | Seattle Mariners | 15-12 | 2.49 | 206 | All-Star |
| 2014 | Seattle Mariners | 14-14 | 2.14 | 248 | All-Star |
FAQ
How many Cy Young Awards did Félix Hernández win?
Félix Hernández won one Cy Young Award in 2010 with the Seattle Mariners, posting a 13-12 record, 2.27 ERA, and 232 strikeouts.
When did he throw his perfect game?
On August 27, 2012, Félix Hernández threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field, using 148 pitches to retire 27 consecutive batters.
Where is Félix Hernández from?
Félix Hernández was born in Valencia, Venezuela, and is one of the most successful Latino pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
