The Miami Marlins have announced that they will retire José Fernández No.16 in memory of the late pitcher, according to NBC 6. The 24-year-old's entire team paid tribute to him tonight by wearing his jersey during their home game against the New York Mets.
Early Sunday morning, Fernández died when his 32-foot fishing boat struck a jetty along Government Cut and Fisher Island in Miami Beach. We now learn that the two other victims who died onboard the tragic boat ride were his friends Emilio Jesus Macias, 27, and Eduardo Rivero, 25. Officials have not yet determined who was behind the wheel.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. a Coast Guard boat crew found the vessel overturned.
#Marlins No better way to honor José @FlashGJr HR on first at bat #RIPJoseFernandez pic.twitter.com/3UWItV4edh
— Audible Sports (@AudibleSports) September 26, 2016
At tonight's game, Dee Gordon hit a home run and we don't think you can see the clip without getting chills, especially at the end.
Just days ago, Fernández had announced on social media that he was going to be a father.
"I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst," Fernández wrote alongside a photo of his pregnant girlfriend.
The Cuban ace pitcher was drafted in 2011 by the Miami Marlins and went on to be named National League Rookie of the Year 2013 and a two-time All-Star.