Mariners prepare for special weekend with Felix Hernandez

This weekend will see a celebration of Felix Hernandez’s career in Seattle, highlighted by him being inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame.

It’s a big weekend for the Mariners, who put their recent run of excellent form to the test. Certainly, there will be few opponents as tough as the Orioles, who have the best record in the AL.

It’s also set to be a special weekend, due to Felix Hernandez being inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame on Saturday. As part of the celebration, there will be postgame fireworks on Friday and a bobblehead giveaway on Sunday.

As per Fox 13, Victory Hall at Boxyard (across the street from T-Mobile Park) will transform into King’s Court on Friday and Saturday. Turkey legs and limited-edition Felix-inspired cocktails will be on sale, while fans can also participate in costume contests, giveaways and more.

In terms of the actual induction, the first 40,000 fans through the gates on Saturday will receive a Supreme Court Felix shirt. The official Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place pregame, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. PT.

Part of an exclusive club

Hernandez will be the 11th person inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame. The other members are Alvin Davis, Dave Niehaus, Jay Buhner, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson, Ken Griffey Jr., Lou Piniella, Jamie Moyer and Ichiro Suzuki.

The 36-year-old’s resume from his 15-year Major League career — all in Seattle — makes for impressive reading. He’s a six-time All-Star, a two-time AL ERA leader and the Major League wins leader in 2009.

In terms of Hernandez’s most impressive achievement, it arguably comes down to two choices. Either his AL Cy Young Award in 2010, or his perfect game two years later, in a 1-0 win versus the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Venezuela native finished his career with a won-loss record of 169-136 in 419 games, all but one of which were starts. He recorded a 3.42 ERA and a franchise-record 2,524 strikeouts in 2,729.2 innings.

Hernandez is one of just five pitchers in Major League history, to have 2,500+ strikeouts and 2,500+ innings pitched with one club. The others are Walter Johnson (Washington), Bob Gibson (St. Louis), Bob Feller (Cleveland) and Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles).

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Unforgettable memories

When it was announced Hernandez would be inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame, chairman and managing partner John Stanton summed up everyone’s feelings. As per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, He said:

“Felix 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 Felix’s permanent place in the Mariners family and our history.”

It often comes down to either Hernandez or Johnson, when debating who’s the best pitcher in club history. Either would be a good choice but regardless, as of Saturday they will joined together for history in the Mariners Hall of Fame.

Will you be one of those fortunate enough to be in attendance on Saturday for Hernandez’s induction? What are your own personal highlights from his career with the Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.