The Miami Marlins lost one of their brightest stars when pitcher Jose Fernandez was tragically killed in a boating accident on Sunday. Monday, they gave him a stirring tribute.
Miami hosted the New York Mets at Marlins Park and both teams came out to stand along the baselines before the game for a moment of silence. Every Marlins player was wearing Fernandez’s jersey and all players had his initials and number written on their hats. Afterward, a somber ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’ was played and the teams hugged on the field.
Bigger than baseball.#JDF16 pic.twitter.com/VAnZXVBh1j
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 26, 2016
Before returning to their dugout, the Marlins players gathered around the mound and drew Fernandez’s number in the dirt.
What a moment.#JDF16 pic.twitter.com/iT7KLTEmaQ
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 26, 2016
While that part was planned, what happened next certainly wasn’t. Lefty Dee Gordon walked to the plate and took the first pitch from the right-handed batter’s box, a nod to the right-handed Fernandez. He returned to the left side and, two pitches later, hit a home run off Bartolo Colon. Gordon broke down while running the bases as teammates pounded the dugout padding like Fernandez would.
Just amazing, @FlashGJr. #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/Tgg03ZSJlt
— MLB (@MLB) September 26, 2016
The Marlins won the game 7-3 and afterward returned to the mound where they knelt one more time and left their hats behind in tribute to their fallen teammate.
— Jason Collette (@jasoncollette) September 27, 2016
Chilling. Marlins players left all their caps on the mound as they left the field in honor of Jose Fernandez. pic.twitter.com/ifehMRz2EF
— Will Manso (@WillManso) September 27, 2016
Even though it was a tribute no one ever would have wanted to have to do, it was a remembrance the Marlins and their fans will never forget.
Update: Afterward, Dee Gordon added some poignant, emotional comments on the game and what hitting the home run meant to him.
"I don't have kids, so hitting a HR for Jose Fernandez is the best moment of my life" – Dee Gordon after the @Marlins win. pic.twitter.com/AtU0ZfQkLP
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) September 27, 2016