If you didn’t know the name of any player on the Miami Marlins baseball team, you knew José Fernández’s name. He was their ace pitcher. He gave the game life. He was what baseball is all about. Fernández was having the best season of his career. His next scheduled start would have been Sep. 26, but he never walked up to the pitcher’s mound to start that game. Fernández was tragically killed along with two others in a boating accident on Sep. 25.
Fernández was born in 1992 in Santa Clara, Cuba. According to the Miami Herald, he grew up loving baseball and dreamed of one day playing in America. His biggest obstacle was making his way to the United States. Fernández made three unsuccessful attempts to reach U.S. soil by boat and landed in Cuban prison every time. On the fourth attempt, he risked his own life to rescue his mother after she fell overboard. It was on this fourth and final trip that he successfully defected from Cuba. He was 15 at the time. Fernández made it to Mexico and continued his trip until he reached Tampa, Florida, where his stepfather lived after defecting himself from Cuba in 2005.
Fernández attended and played baseball for Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa, Florida, where he led his team to two state championships his sophomore and senior years, respectively. In 2011, he was drafted 14th overall by the Miami Marlins. He was a standout pitcher in high school and that success followed him throughout his short, professional career. In 2013, Jose was the National League Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star while playing for the Miami Marlins.
Fernández’s story is one of hope, success and freedom, not just for Cuban but for Cuban-Americans and anyone chasing their dreams. Dan LeBatard, an analyst for ESPN Miami, said, “When José pitched it was like a pilgrimage for people who identify with his story.” Fernández became a United States citizen just 17 months prior to his death. He was everything the American Dream stands for. So many people unsuccessfully attempt to come to the U.S. for a better life. Jose Fernández’s journey gave them hope to continue their efforts of immigrating to the United States.
Prior to the Marlins game Sep. 26, their first game since Fernández’s death, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said, “No one will wear No. 16 again.” There were several tributes to honor Fernández before and after the game. In pre-game ceremonies Marlins players circled the pitcher’s mound to honor not just their teammate, but their brother and their friend. There was a single trumpet playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” as well as a moment of silence. New York Mets players walked across the field to embrace Marlins players to show their support during the difficult game. The Marlins went on to win the game 7-3 after a lead-off solo home run by Dee Gordon – wearing Fernández’s batting helmet – in Miami’s first at-bat.
