On August 15, 2012, Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners achieved a remarkable feat by throwing the 23rd perfect game in Major League Baseball history against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. This historic moment was celebrated by fans and players alike, solidifying Hernandez's place in baseball history.
Fast forward to the present day, and Hernandez finds himself on the cusp of another milestone - potential induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. With his first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot scheduled for December, Hernandez's career achievements are under scrutiny.
Despite finishing his career with 169 wins, a 3.42 ERA, 2,524 strikeouts, and a WAR of 49.7, Hernandez's statistics may fall short of traditional Hall of Fame standards. His attempts to continue playing with the Braves in 2020 and the Orioles in 2021 were met with challenges, ultimately leading to his retirement due to a right elbow injury.
While only a select few starting pitchers with similar numbers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, Hernandez's peak performance from 2006-2015 stands out. Leading in innings pitched and strikeouts during that period, Hernandez also secured a Cy Young Award, two AL ERA titles, and threw a perfect game.
As the landscape of baseball evolves, the criteria for Hall of Fame consideration may shift as well. Hernandez's contributions during an era where ace pitchers are becoming rarer could work in his favor. His legacy is further enhanced by his standing among active pitchers with impressive career totals in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched.
While the road to Cooperstown may be challenging for Hernandez, his impact on the game and his enduring legacy as one of the premier pitchers of his time cannot be denied. As the baseball world awaits the Hall of Fame ballot results, Hernandez's journey serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of a player who left an indelible mark on the sport.
