Miami Marlins ace José Fernández was one of baseball’s brightest young prospects. In his short four-year career, Fernandez won the National League Rookie of the Year Award and was a two-time All-Star.
Just after 3:00 am on Sunday morning, the 24-year-old and two others were found in the vicinity of a capsized boat that crashed into a jetty. Officials report there was no indication of drug or alcohol use, and that it appears the cause of death was related to impact rather than drowning.
Fernández was born in Cuba and defected to America at the age of 15. He attended highschool in Tampa before being selected during the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. The pitcher’s fastball was clocked at over 100/mph, but his best pitch was his curveball, which had been dubbed ‘The Defector’.
On top of his talent, Fernández had more than just a bright future in baseball to look forward to: he and his pregnant girlfriend Carla Mendoza were expecting a baby girl.
The Miami Marlins cancelled their Sunday game against the Atlanta Braves, stating they were “devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez.” They added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”
A league-wide moment of silence before all of the Sunday games was put into effect. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, “All of Baseball is shocked and saddened… He was one of our game’s great young stars who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013.”
