Remembering when Mariners ace Félix Hernández's star power exploded in Boston

On April 11, 2007, under the bright lights of Fenway Park, the baseball world eagerly anticipated Daisuke Matsuzaka’s home debut for the Boston Red Sox. Fans packed the stands, many waving Japanese flags, ready to witness the much-hyped showdown between Matsuzaka and his fellow famed countryman, Ichiro Suzuki.

However, it was a 21-year-old Venezuelan phenom, Félix Hernández, who stole the spotlight and etched his name into Seattle Mariners lore.

It's been almost 20 years since Félix Hernández launched himself toward superstardom in Boston

Hernández delivered a master class on the mound that night, pitching a complete-game one-hitter in a 3–0 victory over the Red Sox. He retired the first eight batters he faced and didn’t allow a hit until J.D. Drew’s single in the eighth inning. With six strikeouts and just two walks, Hernández dominated a lineup featuring stars like David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. 

The game was billed as Matsuzaka’s moment. As a Scott Boras client, "Dice-K" was able to land a nice six-year deal worth $52 million (not including a $51.11 million posting fee) as well as a "litany of personal comforts." The right-hander was one of the biggest Japanese names to come stateside and the "Dice-K vs. Ichiro" matchup permeated the 2007 media.

Yet Hernández’s performance opposite Matsuzaka in Boston was so commanding that it became his coming-out party. As Mariners manager Mike Hargrove noted: “With all the hype going into this game with Matsuzaka and Ichiro, I kept in the back of my mind that people better not overlook our guy.” 

“Félix was awesome,” added first baseman Richie Sexson. “There was a lot of hype surrounding this game, and he really stepped up, rose the occasion on a big stage. If people weren’t watching him before, they certainly are going to watch him now.”

This game marked a turning point for Hernández, signaling his arrival as one of baseball’s elite pitchers. He would go on to become a cornerstone of the Mariners franchise, earning six All-Star selections and winning the 2010 American League Cy Young Award. 

Reflecting on that April night, it’s clear that Hernández’s brilliance transcended the game’s initial narrative. In a contest meant to showcase Matsuzaka’s debut, it was “King Félix” who reigned supreme, leaving an indelible mark on Mariners history.