James Paxton is set to become the 14th member of the Wall of Excellence.
Congratulations are in order for former Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton, who is set to earn a major honor of distinction from Baseball Canada.
At an upcoming ceremony in January, Paxton is set to become the 14th member of the Canadian Baseball 'Wall of Excellence.'
The announcement was made on Thursday:
The annual event, now in its 22nd year, will celebrate the outstanding career of alumnus and former big leaguer James Paxton, who will become the 14th inductee onto Baseball Canada’s Wall of Excellence, presented by RBC Wealth Management.
Paxton was born in Ladner, British Columbia and played for Canada on the national team as an amateur player. That factors into this honor as well, as it's not solely focused on his major-league contributions.
In other fun news, the announcement states that former Mariners outfielder and current M's coach Michael Saunders will be in attendance at the banquet, as will former Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson. Both are Canadian, and Willson helped the Seahawks win their only Super Bowl in 2014.
About Paxton's career
An 11-year veteran of the Mariners, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, Paxton went 73-41 for his career with a 3.77 ERA.
Still just 37 years old, Paxton retired after the 2024 season as injuries took their toll on his body.
He spent parts of seven years with the Mariners, going 41-26 and pairing with Felix Hernandez to make a dynamic top of the rotation.
He also threw a no-hitter for the M's in 2018 - against the Toronto Blue Jays. He's the only Canadian pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Canada.
The Mariners traded Paxton to the Yankees at the conclusion of the 2018 season, kicking off the organizational rebuild that also saw them trade Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz and Jean Segura.
He re-signed with the Mariners in 2021, but made only one start, injuring his elbow.
Though he's no longer playing actively, Paxton did make an appearance at T-Mobile park this season with the Savannah Bananas.
Ultimate legacy
The injuries left behind a feeling of "what could have been?" for Paxton and Mariners fans, but he ultimately remains one of the most beloved Mariners of the last 15 years or so.
The no-hitter, the 'Maple Grove' fan club, and the 'Big Maple' nickname will all live on in memories of Mariners fans.
Paxton threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Mariners game in May against the Blue Jays.
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