As awful as the Jose Fernandez situation has to be for everyone — including the Miami Marlins — the team has tried to do some good in light of the sadness.
It was reported Tuesday that the Marlins covered the costs of Fernandez’s funeral and cremation. Along with that, the team made a donation to St. Brendan Catholic Church in Miami, which was the church that hosted the public viewing and private funeral.
For those who don’t know/remember, Fernandez died in a boating accident Sept. 25. Since his death, many have tried as best they could to remember the fallen Miami pitcher. It started with the Marlins all wearing Fernandez’s number the day following the news of his death.
The game ended up as an emotional one, with Dee Gordon hitting a leadoff home-run for Miami and fighting tears as he rounded the bases. The team has continued to honor Fernandez, including surrounding Fernandez’s hearse during the funeral procession. Outside of the Marlins organization, others have tried to honor Fernandez, including the University of Miami football team.
This is a rare situation for a pro team, and there really isn’t a template for teams to follow. However, Miami has done a tremendous job in handling an awful situation. Hopefully this never happens to any other team. But if it does, teams might want to take a page from the Marlins’ book.
