Update 3:56 p.m. Mariners’ radio announcer Rick Rizzs ended last season by saying, “Felix is going to win the Cy Young.” And in many years, he would have, but not this one. Instead it was Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber.Felix Hernandez has been the backbone of the Seattle Mariners through losing season after losing season. And despite the frustrating lack of offense, which robbed him of countless wins, he re-signed with the team, constantly reiterating his love for the Mariners and Seattle.Last season was particularly spectacular for Hernandez — he had the lowest earned run average for an American League pitcher since Pedro Martinez in 2000. Opponents batted a league low .200 against him. He set a record for 16 straight “ultra-quality” starts, meaning he pitched 7 or more innings and allowed 2 or fewer runs. He led the league with a 0.915 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched). It just wasn’t spectacular enough.The Mariners were painfully close to the playoffs in 2014, missing them by a single game. In that final, deciding game, Felix walked off the field to an extended ovation. When the Mariners do finally make the playoffs, it will be implicitly dedicated to the King. – D.K.
Cy Young flies away to Cleveland
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By Bill Lucia
Bill Lucia writes about Seattle City Hall and politics for Crosscut. He can be reached at bill.lucia@crosscut.com and you can follow him on Twitter @bill_lucia.
Bill Lucia writes about Seattle City Hall and politics for Crosscut. He can be reached at bill.lucia@crosscut.com and you can follow him on Twitter @bill_lucia.