In a time when the sports world is is focused on jumping to big markets and snatching up all they can, Felix Hernandez is a breath of fresh air.

Hernandez may be the best pitcher in baseball, but because he is stuck in sleepy old Seattle, only die hard fans know about his dominance.

The Mariners have not been good for ten years, but every fifth day the team is worth watching because the king takes the mound.

Sure, he could have made the jump to the Yankees or Red Sox, chasing the big-time endorsement deals. However, Hernandez does not want to relocate his family and abandon the organization that drafted him.

So when Hernandez got his seven year $175 million deal, the sports world saw something incredible.

Most people will look at that contract and snear, complaining that athletes make too much money, and they may be right.

What I saw was a man that has done everything the right way being rewarded for his hard work.

In his press conference, a tearful Hernandez promised that he would  not let anyone down.

He did not throw a party with his money or parade around like a spoiled person, he cried because of the faith the organization showed in him.

Thank you king Felix, for showing us what it means to be a role model in the sports world.