OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Felix Hernandez finally presented former Mariners catcher John Jaso with the perfect gift: a shiny Rolex for catching King Felix’s perfecto last August.
A clubhouse employee delivered the gold watch from Seattle’s side to the Oakland clubhouse for Jaso about 90 minutes before first pitch in the Mariners-Athletics season opener Monday night. Hernandez, set to make his first start since signing a $175 million, seven-year contract in February, said Sunday during a workout day at the Coliseum that he had a special present for his old backstop.
Engraved on the back of the watch are the words “perfect game” and the date — “8/15/12.” For Jaso, in his first season with Oakland after an offseason trade, this will replace his Timex. He says the new wristwear is “a bit of an upgrade.”
