By DEAN ROVENTINI
Jose Fernandez fought his way to this country and rose to the top of the MLB game. He was only 24 and lost his life in a boating accident on Sept. 25, 2016.
Jose Fernandez’s debut in the MLB on April 7, 2013 against the New York Mets. He was drafted in 2011 by the Miami Marlins but his journey to the US wasn’t as easy as signing a contract. As a Cuban born man, Fernandez couldn’t come to America legally.
Fernandez tried four times to come to the U.S., but failed the first three times, being arrested each attempt. The third attempt has a special story to it. As Fernandez was fleeing, he noticed a person in the water struggling to stay afloat. Not knowing who the struggling person was, Jose turned around to help and to find out it was his own mother. Turning around did get himself arrested but it also saved his own mother.
In 2013, Jose Fernandez made a quick impact in the league. In 28 games, Fernandez had an ERA (earned run average) of 2.19 with 12-6 win & loss record*. Along with his 187 strikeouts Jose won the National League Rookie of the Year award*.
But his 2014 season ended shortly after needing Tommy John surgery. Before being put on the disabled list, Fernandez had a 4-2 record with 70 strikeouts which could of led to another phenomenal season*.
The injury kept Jose sidelined for over a year. Fernandez his return July 2nd, 2015 against the San Fransisco Giants. Fernandez ended the 2015 season 6-1 with 79 strikeouts.
In his final season, Jose Fernandez finished with a 16-8 record and 253 strikeouts. Which what could of been a Cy Young Award year turned into his final year.
Brandon Abdul, pitcher at Goldey-Beacom College, commented on Fernandez pitching, “The energy he brought was like no other. He always had a chip on his shoulder and went out there with a sense of urgency. However I think the number one reason why he was such a good pitcher was he was having fun doing what he loved.”
Jose Fernandez wasn’t just loved or well known for his skills. It was his passion, love and the fun he had playing baseball that connected him to fans all over.
“Even though I’m a Yankees fan he’s been my favorite player ever since his rookie season. I loved to watch him pitch not only because how good he was but because of the passion he showed out there,” said Joseph Richie, one of Fernandez’s biggest fans.
Jose Fernandez’s passing was a tragedy to the entire baseball world. Fans, players, and especially teammates were morning over the lost of a great in the sport today. But as they say in sports, “the game must go on.”
The Miami Marlins resumed their season on Sept. 26 and faced the New York Mets (the team Fernandez debuted against) in the first game since the tragic death. Every Marlins player wore a Jose Fernandez jersey with his name and number on the back.
Dee Gordon, Miami second baseman, was first at bat for the Marlins. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Gordon stepped in the righty batter’s box with Fernandez’s batting helmet and took the first pitch. The very next pitch, Gordon stepped in his normal lefty batter’s box and swung at the first pitch he saw. Dee Gordon hit his first home run of the season on that pitch. The emotions ran through Gordon and the rest of the Marlins team. Miami won that game 7-3.
Jose Fernandez a superstar whose life and career was cut way too short. Rem
embered as a Cy Young caliber pitcher, a kid at heart, and loving son.
Rest in Peace Jose Fernandez 1992-2016
A very well written story about Jose Fernandez, telling his story and his success after injuries and coming to America. What I would like to know more about is how Fernandez story inspired other athletes from different countries.