FELIX HERNANDEZ HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Felix Hernandez:
Ladies & gentlemen, honored guests, fellow baseball enthusiasts, & the many Hall of Famers sitting behind me,
Today, we gather here to celebrate the remarkable career of a true legend of the diamond, Felix Hernandez. As we reflect on the statistics & achievements of this extraordinary pitcher, it becomes abundantly clear why he deserves a place among the immortals in the Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame.
Felix Hernandez’s journey in the world of baseball began with promise & potential. From the moment he stepped onto the mound, he showcased an unrivaled combination of talent, dedication, & sheer determination. With each pitch, he captivated the hearts of fans & left an indelible mark on the game.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Felix Hernandez amassed an impressive collection of statistics that solidify his claim as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Let us delve into these numbers that tell a tale of excellence.
With a career that spanned many seasons, Felix recorded an impressive total of 233 wins, placing him among the all-time greats. Every time he took the mound, his presence instilled confidence in his team, knowing that they had a fierce competitor on their side. His fiery spirit & relentless pursuit of victory propelled him to numerous memorable performances.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Felix Hernandez’s career was his impeccable control & precision. He baffled hitters with his arsenal of pitches, including his devastating changeup & wicked curveball. Throughout his career, he recorded an astounding 2221 strikeouts, leaving batters bewildered & sending shockwaves through stadiums across the country.
However, Felix had three days that allows him to stand tall in the MWBL. June 8th, 2006 (His Rookie Season), August 11, 2013, & August 3rd, 2015 – when Felix etched his name in the annals of the Mid-West Baseball League by pitching No-Hitters. It was his display of skill & determination that will forever be remembered as some of the greatest achievements in the Mid-West Baseball League history.
Beyond the statistics, Felix Hernandez’s impact on the game extends far beyond the box scores. He epitomizes sportsmanship & embodies the qualities of a true role model. With his infectious smile & humble demeanor, he won the hearts of fans worldwide & served as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes. His love for the game was evident in every pitch he threw & every play he made.
In addition to his individual achievements, Felix was a loyal & dedicated member of the community. He used his platform to make a difference, supporting charitable causes & touching the lives of countless individuals. His generosity off the field mirrors his greatness on it, making him a true champion both in & out of baseball.
Today, as we honor Felix Hernandez, let us remember the impact he has had on the game & the joy he brought to millions of fans. Let his induction into the Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame serve as a testament to his unparalleled skill, unwavering dedication, & unwavering spirit.
Felix, your remarkable career will forever be etched in the memories of those who witnessed your greatness. Your induction into the Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to your extraordinary accomplishments. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.
Ladies & gentlemen, I present to you the newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Felix Hernandez!
Felix Hernandez Speech:
Ladies & gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow APBA enthusiasts, & baseball fans from all walks of life, thank you for this incredible honor. Today, I stand before you with immense gratitude & humility as I enter the revered halls of the Mid-West Baseball League Baseball Hall of Fame. This is a moment that I have dreamt of since I first picked up a baseball as a young boy in Venezuela.
To the game of baseball itself, I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Baseball, you have been my passion, my teacher, & my sanctuary. You have provided me with countless memories, challenges, triumphs, & setbacks, all of which have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the opportunities you have presented me with, & for the friendships I have forged along this incredible journey.
First & foremost, I want to let each of the newly inducted Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame Members know what an honor it is to go in alongside you. Ichiro_, Carlos Beltran, Adrian Beltre, Manager Bill Schindel, & C.C. Sabathia my Giant of Giants, I am humbled to stand alongside all of you today accepting this great honor.
I’d like to express my deepest appreciation to my family. Mom, Dad, thank you for instilling in me the values of hard work, perseverance, & dedication. Your unwavering support & belief in me have been the driving force behind my accomplishments. My siblings, you have been my biggest fans, always cheering me on from the stands or from afar. Your love & encouragement have meant the world to me.
To my coaches, teammates, & mentors throughout the years, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself. Baseball is a team sport, & I am grateful for the camaraderie & the shared pursuit of greatness. Each & every one of you has contributed to my success, & I am indebted to you for the memories we have created together.
I am also immensely grateful to the MWBL Franchise Owners, the lifeblood of this game. Your unwavering support, whether in victory or defeat, has fueled my determination to leave everything I had on the field. Your cheers, your passion, & your love for the game have inspired me throughout my career. It is because of you that I have found the strength to overcome adversity & strive for greatness.
To the Chicago Mobsters organization, Commissioner Stray Corrado – thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out my dreams in the Mid-West Baseball League. The Mobsters became my second family, & the city of Chicago my second home. I am honored to have worn the Mobsters uniform for all but one year of my career. The memories we created together will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make baseball the extraordinary spectacle that it is. From the groundkeepers to the trainers, from the clubhouse attendants to the scouts, from the front office staff, the Stat-Trackers & yes even the GCMs, the media personnel—your dedication & passion for the game often go unnoticed, but your contributions are invaluable.
As I reflect upon my career, I am overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment & gratitude. I am proud of the effort I put forth every time I took the mound, of the battles fought, & the memories made. I am grateful for the friendships forged & the lessons learned. I am honored to be now mentioned among the greats who have graced this game before me.
Today, as I enter the Mid-West Baseball League Baseball Hall of Fame, I accept this honor not just for myself, but for my family, my teammates, & the fans who have supported me relentlessly. This induction is a testament to the power of dreams & the pursuit of excellence. It is a reminder that with passion, dedication, & perseverance, anything is possible.
Thank you, Chicago & Commissioner Corrado, for shaping my life in ways I could have never imagined. I will cherish this honor for the rest of my days.