Reaction pouring in on the death of Marlins' José Fernández

Marlins organization 'devastated' by tragic loss

MIAMI – After the Miami Marlins José Fernández, died in a boat collision Sunday morning off Miami Beach at 24, his name was a trend on social media. 

At a restaurant in Miami's Midtown, Rosa Santana stood up and shouted in Spanish: "Se murio Jose, Jose Fernandez, el Cubano." After some at the adjacent tables, heard her announce he had died, two men started to cry and left the restaurant. 

"He was just a special Cuban boy living the American dream," Santana said. "Even if you didn't follow baseball or the Marlins, as a Cuban you just love him. It hurts."

The Miami Marlins said the organization was "devastated" and canceled their Sunday game against the Atlanta Braves. 

"All I can do is scream in disbelief," said Hall of Famer Tony Perez, a Marlins executive and native of Cuba. "Jose won the love of all. I feel as if I had lost a son."

Local 10 News' Will Manso said Fernández's death brought memories of past baseball tragedies, such as the deaths of Thurman Munson and Roberto Clemente — stars who died in plane crashes in the 1970s.

Cleveland teammates Steve Olin and Tim Crews were killed in a boating accident in 1993, and the game also reeled from the sudden deaths of major leaguers Darryl Kile, Lyman Bostock and Cory Lidle in recent years.

The Miami Dolphins team had a moment of silence before their game in Miami Gardens.

Miami Dolphins players 

 

Miami Dolphins reacts to 'great loss' 

Local 10 News sports team reacts to tragedy

Local 10 News Will Manso on breaking news 

Local 10 News Clay Ferraro's reaction

Ferraro talks about pitcher's resilience

#JoseFernandez trends on social media

Politicians react to public loss

 

More reaction on Twitter

 

 

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"I saw a better talent than I was lose his life this tragic morning." — Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez.

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"Jose and I trained together since I was 15. ... I talked to him probably about two weeks ago, actually. We were just talking about the offseason and, ironically enough, going fishing and stuff like that." — Houston pitcher Lance McCullers.

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"It's so horribly sad on so many different levels that there'll be no more of that, no more of him, there'll be no more of that emotion on the mound, that skill set, that human being, that young man with such a gift, such a great smile." — Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle.

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"The baseball family has suffered a loss. It's recognizable in the clubhouse today, very recognizable. It's a sad day. The show goes on for us, but it's a sad day. His persona and how he performed on the field, just how he was, just reminds you of the joy that this game can bring you." — Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell.

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"I don't have the words to describe the pain I feel." — retiring Boston star David Ortiz, who asked the Tampa Bay Rays to cancel a pregame tribute they planned in his honor before his final game at their park Sunday.

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"I said, 'You don't throw me any fastballs.' And he said, 'Why would I throw you any fastballs?' We just started laughing. That's the kind of guy he was. He had an infectious smile and a love for the game I hope every ballplayer could have." — White Sox slugger Todd Frazier, recalling a pregame conversation he once had in the outfield with Fernandez.

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"One of those competitors you loved competing against because you know he was going to bring his best. He was one of the best pitchers in the game. What he did in a short amount of time was incredible. We just talked at the field." — Yankees catcher Brian McCann, who got into a dustup at home plate after Fernandez hit his first big league home run in 2013.

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"It was probably that year at the New York sports writers' dinner, he won Rookie of the Year. And he did it in Spanish and I think at the end he said, 'I'll do this next year in English.' And if I'm not correct, his English is flawless. I just remember watching that and thought it was pretty cool." — Cleveland manager Terry Francona.

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"When the first pitch left his hand, the first thought is, 'Oh, wow, this is something special.' ... This was not only one of the greatest pitchers in the modern game, but one of the finest young men you'd ever meet, who played the game with passion and fun and enjoyed being out there." — Mets manager Terry Collins. Fernandez was scheduled to start Monday night at home vs. the Mets.

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"He had Hall of Fame-level talent. It felt like Jose could last a long time, be a part of that for a long time, be the face of the Marlins a long time." — Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell.

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"When I think about Josie, it's going to be thinking about a little kid. ... I see such a little boy in him ... the way he played. ... Kids play Little League, that's the joy Jose played with." — Miami manager Don Mattingly.

 

 

 


About the Author:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.