Player Profile: The King | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Player Profile: The King

King Felix Hernandez has taken his throne, so, let's praise his career as it is right now.

6
Player Profile: The King
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Throughout Mariner history, there have been kids, men and even a big unit. However, there will never be another King.

King Felix has been the face of the Seattle Mariners for quite a while now, and for good reason. He is one of the best players in Mariner history and certainly one of the best entertainers to ever don a Mariners cap.

As any good pitcher knows, it truly comes down to stats to see if you are the real deal or just another spot starter. While Felix may not be the best starter the Mariners have ever had (that title still remains and will remain to Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson), his stats show him as an All-Time Mariner great.

So far, King Felix has thrown 2214 career strikeouts, has a career ERA of only 3.13 and has won 149 games for a record of 149-105. Considering that he was playing for the Mariners for his entire career, that number is astounding.

The reason why that last stat is so astounding is because the Mariners, for years, have had trouble scoring runs at all when Felix was on the mound (more like when anyone was on the mound). In an article this April that did the math showing that Felix Hernandez is the “Unluckiest Player of All Time,” David Schoenfield of ESPN wrote, “Those 45 winless games account for 13.4 percent of his career starts.” These games are ones where Felix threw either no run, or one run gems, and still either lost or got the no decision. According to the article, these games accounted for 13.4 percent of all his games. That means that around one out of every 10 starts of his career, he has thrown a gem and not gotten anything for it.

Off of the depressing parts of Felix’s career, he is one of those players that doesn’t come by very often. He is a true pitching ace. He has been elected to the All-Star game six times, been in the Cy Young award voting six times including in 2010 when he won the award and has even been in the MVP conversation on a number of occasions.

One more thing that I would be remiss for not mentioning, is that he is one of 23 pitchers in baseball history to have thrown a perfect game. While winning a Cy Young award is an amazing achievement, pitching a perfect game has put Felix permanently in the record books.

It is easy to say that King Felix is a great pitcher when we look at the stats, but one of the best thing about Felix can’t be found on a stat sheet.

King Felix is very much a performer and a personality. While it is hard to see how this translates into how he is a good pitcher, Mariner fans truly know. The energy that surrounds the stadium when he is even approaching the mound is insane.

Seattle Radio Station 710 ESPN Seattle greets it’s listeners with “Happy Felix Day” when he is starting that day.

The biggest piece of fanfare for The King is the King’s Court. Every time he starts a game, there are two or more sections next to the left field foul pole that are designated as “The King’s Court” where fans that buy seats there are given a special shirt and a big plastic card that just says the letter “K” with a special design for Felix. Inside the King’s Court, other festivities happen, like giving out a turkey leg to a random fan and others.

As for the Hall of Fame possibilities, I am not sure yet. If I had it my way, I would say definitely, but we shall see. However, he will definitely be going into the Mariners Hall of Fame as soon as possible.

It is an understatement to say that Felix has captured the heart of Seattle Fans everywhere and that he will remain a piece of Mariner history that will never be forgotten.

He is the one, the only, The King.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23610
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9863
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7145
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments