On September 25th, 2016, we lost an individual who to many was one of the greatest pitchers of the modern era. The late, great José Fernández died in a boating accident off the coast of Miami, Florida. Fernández was enjoying a day out on the water with close others. Drugs and alcohol were said not to be factors in the crash and José is said to have not been driving the boat that day. José was 24 at the time of his death and in a relationship with Carla Mendoza who heard the horrifying news carrying their first child.

Fernández was born in Santa Clara, Cuba and defected to the United States in 2008. The Florida

Marlins selected José in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft as the 14th overall pick. In his 2013 rookie year, José was the second youngest player in baseball just ahead of the nineteen year old Bryce Harper. He overcame Tommy John surgery in 2014 and came back to dominate the next season with his four pitch artillery.

José Fernández was not just a ball player, but an idol to many. He was the National League Rookie of the Year and a All-Star game participant. But more than that, he was still a kid at heart. His display of enthusiasm and character on and off the field will be remembered for an eternity. His vibrant personality endeared himself to many as so did his penetrating fastball.

José’s repertoire of pitches included a four seam fastball, sinker, changeup, and slurve. The way he could blow a 99 mph fastball by and buckle up the batter with a 80 mph slurve was impeccable. He posted a career ERA of 2.58 and 589 total strikeouts.

What José Fernández achieved as a ball player was astonishing, what he accomplished as a human being is mesmerizing. Very rarely the world sees an individual with such talent at an age so young.

José Fernández will be sorely missed by baseball fans around the world. His spirit stays with us all as we carry on without him. 16, a number retired but never forgotten. JF16.