The baseball world was rocked by tragedy on Sunday, when Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and two other young men were killed in a boating accident in Florida. Fernandez was only 24.
Prior to Monday's game, the Marlins honored Fernandez and celebrated his life with a touching pregame ceremony. The entire team wore "Fernandez No. 16" jerseys during the game as well. No. 16 will be retired by the club. It'll be the first retired number in Marlins history.
The Marlins beat the Mets after Monday's ceremony (MIA 7, NYM 3), and following the game, the entire team returned to the mound for a moment of silence. They left their hats and the game ball on the mound to honor Fernandez while the fans at Marlins Park chanted Jose's name.
Here's the video:
José, José, José, José. https://t.co/kHUMpHq14Z#JDF16pic.twitter.com/app9l6YjSI
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2016
We played for you.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 27, 2016
We won for you.
We will forever honor you.#JDF16pic.twitter.com/YX3zCxjaGI
Chills. #JDF16pic.twitter.com/Nh4wp7066f
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 27, 2016
I can't imagine having to play a Major League Baseball game after a teammates passes away suddenly. That must be brutal. Many tears were shed Monday night.
Everything the Marlins did Monday to honor Fernandez was absolutely perfect. From the pregame ceremony to that final gesture after the game. It's a sad day, but we're all better off for having experienced Jose Fernandez