Remembering José Fernández

     The baseball community, from players to fans, suffered a great loss on Sept. 25, as Marlins’ pitcher José Fernández was taken too soon, passing away in a boating accident along with his two friends, Emilio Jesus Macias and Eduardo Rivero. The 24-year-old pitcher poured a tremendous amount of joy, passion and enthusiasm into not only the game of baseball, but into his family, friends and fans as well. Fernández’s smile was contagious and had the ability to light up the entire ballpark. His presence was made known in Marlins Park on Monday, Sept. 26, as the Miami Marlins played the New York Mets in their first game following the loss of their beloved teammate and friend. Before the game began, there was a moment of silence for Fernández, as well as a single trumpet playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” The team wore Fernández jerseys adorned with the number 16, a number now retired by the Marlins. A bold number 16 was painted on the pitcher’s mound where, following the game, all of the players left their caps. Dee Gordon paid tribute to Fernández by taking his first pitch from the right-handed batter’s box, Gordon himself being a left-handed hitter, while wearing Fernández’s batting helmet. Upon returning to his natural batting position, Gordon hit an emotional first homerun of the season, breaking down into tears as he ran the bases. The team played for Fernández that night, honoring both him and the game he loved. Jose Fernández was a character full of hope who touched so many in his lifetime. He will forever be in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him, and may he never be forgotten in the world of baseball.

     Sources: mlb.com, USA Today