Felix Hernandez and the Power of a Superstar

Jul 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) pitches to the Kansas City Royals during the 6th inning while Hernandez fans in the kings court hold up “K” signs during the 5th inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Felix makes Mariners fans laugh, cry, shout for joy. He has kept a Mariners team afloat that, without him, would have been so far from relevant these last few seasons. But now, with Robinson Cano in the fold and a bevy of young talent waiting to take that leap, Mariners fans can, maybe, start to hope that the future is brighter.

But if nothing else, Felix will always give fans someone to root for, someone to call a superstar, someone the Yankees didn’t buy from us.

He makes commercials like King Felix’s High Heat Hotsauce. He smiles and bows to the Supreme Court crowd after his perfect game. He cries when he signs his contract extension with a city he genuinely loves.

The Mariners need Felix. And in a funny sort of way, Felix needs the Mariners too. If they can ever find a way to win a World Series together, he will be the face of that first championship. He will be the face of baseball success in Seattle.

It is so clear that Seattle fans are willing to go crazy in support of their teams. Look at the Seahawks and their fans right now.

If the Mariners can find a way to be in the playoff hunt after the all-star break, that could happen for them too. There is something magical about having a city rally behind a team that wills itself to win. Remember 1995?

And when the Mariners finally do win it all, Felix will be around for it, there is no doubt in my mind.

When he leaves the Mariners, it will be with the tip of his cap and a humble bow, being pulled out of his last Major League game some years from now.

Felix will be a Mariner for life– you can take that to the bank. It sounds absurd to say it now, when he is only 27, but mark my words.

He and the Mariners have a special bond, a bond only formed between superstars and a city that desperately wants them.