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Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez is now a U.S. citizen

Chris Cwik
·Staff writer

Seattle Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández has become a U.S. citizen. The 32-year-old Hernández passed his citizenship interview, and completed the process at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services building in Seattle on Monday.

Hernández, who was born in Venezuela, was signed by the Mariners as a 16-year-old. He reached the majors in 2005, and has been a member of the Mariners the last 14 years.

Though Hernández has won a Cy Young award and thrown a perfect game, he admitted he was nervous about taking the citizenship oath.

In the end, there was no reason for Hernández to be worried. He got through it all just fine.

Hernández is hardly the first Major League Baseball player to become a U.S. Citizen. Oakland Athletics pitcher Fernando Rodney became a U.S. citizen in July. Los Angeles Angels star Albert Pujols became a U.S. citizen as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007. Deceased Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández became a U.S. citizen in 2015.

In 151 2/3 innings this season, Hernández has a 5.46 ERA.

Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez became a U.S. citizen Monday. (AP Photo)
Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez became a U.S. citizen Monday. (AP Photo)

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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