Hernández pitched his entire 15-year career with the Mariners. He made 418 career starts, struck out 2,524 batters, and owns the only perfect game in franchise history.
He is one of 11 players to be bestowed with the Hall of Famer honor since its inception.
Speaking during the induction, Hernández said:
“This is not easy for me. Pitching and being there on that mound is way easier than this.”
“I want to thank the entire Seattle Mariners organization, ownership, and staff. I’m blessed by the opportunity to play my entire career here with the Seattle Mariners.”
“You guys took a chance on me in 2002 … out of Venezuela, just 16 years old and you stood by my side ever since.”
“It’s a true honor. The Mariners, T-Mobile Park and to Seattle, you will always be a part of my heart and my home.”
The event had some previous hall of farmers in the audience -including Ichiro Suzuki, Edgar Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr.
Hernández who sat on the king’s throne was very surprised when former teammate, regular foe and close friend Adrian Beltre made an appearance.
The matchups between Beltre and Hernández were among the most entertaining in the game when they faced off as opponents.
