It’s been two days now since the tragic death of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. Fernandez was only 24 years old and already one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. For fans, he was a joy to watch on the field and a hero off the field. As a Cuban defector, Fernandez was a hero and a beacon of hope for the Miami community. He was the face of the franchise and a person who many people, Cuban and non Cuban, could look up to and strive to be.

Last night Miami played their first game since the tragedy, at home against the Mets. They honored their lost teammate and brother by everyone wearing his jersey and having his number, 16, painted on the pitcher’s mound. It was a very somber and chilling event to watch. You could see the pain and sadness on everyone’s faces both Mets and Marlins alike. It was honestly very difficult to watch. I was even tearing up watching the game and the ceremony. After the national anthem, both teams embraced on the field and consoled each other. It was a very classy and respectful moment by both organizations.

The game itself was important, but in ways very different than normal. Yes, the Mets are in a playoff hunt and every game is important to win. But this game was different. This was a game of healing. The Marlins knew that Jose would have wanted them to play the game and to play it with passion, just how he played every game. Dee Gordon led off the bottom of the first inning batting righty and wearing Fernandez’s helmet for the first pitch. After taking the first pitch, he switched to his helmet and back to his natural left side of the plate. He then proceeded to hit his first home run of the season. Watching Gordon round the bases with tears in his eyes and hug all of his teammates back in the dugout gave me chills. The Marlins went on to win the game 7-2 in a game that you could not have scripted any better.

Looking back on it, Fernandez’s death affected me in a way I never could have imagined. I woke up Sunday morning and read the news and was in disbelief and shock. I wanted to cry. I am not a Marlins fan. I’m a Mets fan and would dread when ever Fernandez was scheduled to pitch against us, and yet I was almost brought to tears when reading about his death. How could the death of a man, whom I have never met, affect me so deeply? I honestly don’t know. Maybe it had to do with what could have been. Fernandez had so much potential in not only baseball, but also life. He was 24 years old, a year younger than me, and already one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. He could have been one of the best ever. His last start against Washington was his best start of the season and one of the best in his career. Maybe it was the reaction from around the league. Fernandez was one of the most liked players in the league. He was an ambassador for the game on and off the field. He had a childish love for the game that I always appreciated.

What I have learned from this ordeal is never take life for granted. Here was a guy who wasn’t even in the prime of his career yet, but was taken away from us way too early. I never knew Jose Fernandez. But through being a baseball fan and knowing the game, I feel like I kind of did. I felt like I lost a friend. Baseball is more than just a game. Baseball is a community and a family. On Sunday, September 25th, we lost a member of our baseball family. Every day you should make sure the people you love know how much they are loved. Never take anything for granted because it can all be gone in the blink of an eye. Rest in peace Jose Fernandez. You will be missed.

-Kev