Miami Marlins’ pitcher, Jose Fernandez died after a boating accident off the Miami coast on September 25.
Fernandez was a 24 year old pitcher, with a two week pregnant wife, who was on his way to finishing his fourth season in the MLB. Throughout his four years, he’d led the Marlins pitching staff in total wins, strikeouts, and Earned Run Average (ERA) along with winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2012. Fernandez, on pace to become one of the league’s best, was filled with exuberance and boldness.
Fernandez’s character was shown off the field as well. He was born in Santa Clara, Cuba during a time of turmoil. He had tried to escape Cuba three times, getting caught and punished each time. On his fourth attempt, his mother and he fled Cuba, with others including his sister, on a raft to Florida. On their quest to freedom, someone fell overboard. Not knowing who it was, Fernandez jumped in to save them. It turned out to be his mother. Finally, they made it to Tampa Bay, Florida; and it wasn’t until April 25, 2015, though, that he became a United States citizen.
Fernandez’s loss was a sudden shock to everyone, causing confusion and denial around the world. “"At first I didn't believe it. I thought it was a prank because my teammate (baseball) texted me about it,” Miami resident, Zach Tabachnikoff said, “but then I turned on sports center and saw it for real and got teary." The loss of Fernandez was hard for Tabachnikoff to grasp. "I was beyond destroyed when I found out. He was the man who I looked up to as a pitcher. He had so much fun playing the game. He always smiled and was one of the best I’ve seen. I wanted to be exactly like that one day.”
Fernandez, being of this stature, did not just affect children and teenagers like Tabachnikoff, but also adults. His teammates on the Miami Marlins may have been the most destroyed by his death. Once news of his death had occurred, the Marlins organization had cancelled their game against the Atlanta Braves, giving time for Marlins players to come to the field and just think about the death of their friend. The next day the Marlins played the New York Mets. Prior to the game, there was a ceremony at the field held for Fernandez. Newtown High School English teacher,
Brian Tenney, said, "I usually don't react to tragedy as much, but on Monday night I was watching clips of the Mets Marlins game. I heard them play take me out to the ball game on the buegel and that's when I started getting choked up which was a big deal for me.”
Like many other famous personas, Fernandez’s death seemed almost impossible to come to. “Reminds me a little bit of Paul walker,” said Tenney. “Someone who's not vulnerable to sudden death that dies. It’s tragic.”
Fernandez played a significant role in the world, as he created hope for Cuban’s wanting to live the “American dream,” brought joy to Marlins fans no matter their record, and he was used an inspiration and role model to kids everywhere. His athleticism and character were admired by everyone and people of all ages will keep him and his loss in their hearts.
Image Courtesy of findagrave.com