Jose Fernandez was more than a start pitcher to many
I woke up Sunday Morning at 10 AM, and saw I had over 40 notifications on my phone. Right away, I knew something wasn’t right. So I unlocked my phone to see what happened. When I had discovered why I had so many notifications on my phone, I was heart-broken.
Like so many people around the world, I woke up to the news that 24-year-old Jose Fernandez had passed away in a boating accident. I couldn’t believe it. I was in complete shock and had no idea how to react other than to cry. Right away, I thought about his family and friends, but I also thought about the South Florida Community.
Many baseball fans around the world knew Jose. They knew he had a tremendous arsenal and was one of the top pitchers in the game. They also knew that he was must-watch television every time he stepped foot on that rubber. What they didn’t know, however, was that he also had a major impact on the South Florida Community.
Like Yasiel Puig and other Cuban-born players, Fernandez’ first major obstacle was to come to the United States from Cuba. It wasn’t a walk in the park. It took him multiple attempts [on a boat], to make it to South Florida. As you can imagine, it’s not easy leaving family members, friends and a city you were born and raised in. He had to leave all that behind to make it to South Florida. He wanted to live in a free country and have new opportunities that so many of us take for granted.
Making it here was tough, but it was also hard to adapt. You’re exposed to new foods, technologies, a new language and so much more. That’s part of the reason why he had such a major impact on the community. A good portion of South Florida went through the things he went through and were able relate to his story. He was like a superhero for us living in South Florida. He was living the American dream and we lived through him.
Another reason why he had such a big impact to the community was because of the way he played the game. Marlins skipper, Don Mattingly said, “I see such a little boy in him – the way he played the game.” That is such a true statement. He played with such a passion and with so much energy, I have never seen anything quite like it. Even when it wasn’t his turn to take the mound, he was still in the dugout cheering and screaming. He was the Marlins biggest fan. He reminded all of us of how fun the game of baseball is and to enjoy every moment of not just the game, but life.
He really made watching baseball fun again. On every fifth day, all everyone would talk about was “Jose Day.” Although many people were frustrated with the organization, nothing put a smile on our faces like “Jose Day.” When it was his day to pitch, we were all filled with excitement and ready to feed off his energy. It was the one of the few things that kept us going (to the stadium and emotionally) as Marlins fans.
Sunday was a horrible nightmare. It affected the lives of many people and we will never forget him. His smile, energy, attitude, passion, arm and his journey to the big leagues will never be forgotten. The kid was special. Rest in peace, Jose.
Nick Rodriguez is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Nick, check out his archive or follow him @NRodriguezDFS.
