Recalling the Moment Jose Fernandez Was Reunited With His Grandmother

A three-year-old GIF of Jose Fernandez was making the rounds online again on Sunday morning, following news of the 24-year-old Miami Marlins pitcher’s sudden death. Hosmer said he hung out with Fernandez at this year’s All-Star Game in San Diego, when the two became more than just acquaintances.

Members of the Philadelphia Phillies participate in a moment of silence to remember Miami Marlins Jose Fernandez before the baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 in New York. The Florida Panthers released a statement reading, “The Florida Panthers players, staff, and entire organization extend their most honest condolences to the family of Jose Fernandez and the Miami Marlins organization”.

President David Samson was flanked by general manager Mike Hill and manager Don Mattingly at the table, but the entire Marlins team was also standing around the table. Mattingly circled back several times to how Fernandez played with the joy of a child, mentioning that it’s like watching kids in Little League, as the love for the game was so evident. Yet still just a kid, who’s joy lit up the stadium more than lights could.

“The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez”, the team said in a statement.

“Deep in our hearts there is a lot of pain”, third baseman Martin Prado said.

In the last game of that season, Fernandez, then a rookie, stood at home plate and watched his first career home run sail far over the left-center field fence.

Veloz said none of the men were wearing life jackets, although it appears that might not have aided in their rescue. The boat was travelling at a high rate of speed when it hit the jetty. “At this hard time, our prayers are with his mother, grandmother, family and friends”.

Fernandez was on a 32-foot vessel that had a “severe impact” with a jetty, said FWC’s Lorenzo Veloz. There was no evidence of alcohol or illegal substances being a factor in the crash.

Yanks manager Joe Girardi said he greatly admired Fernandez, although he never met the pitcher.

Video boards at Marlins Park on Sunday morning showed a large “16” – Fernandez’s jersey number – over his name. A few fans milled about, even though the game was canceled.

Earlier in the week, Fernandez appeared to announce his girlfriend’s pregnancy via Instagram with a post of an unidentified woman cradling her baby bump. “I’m ready for where this journey is gonna take us together”.