Miami Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez Dies in Boating Accident

Miami Marlins All-Star dies in boating accident on Saturday night. Marlins cancel Sunday’s game against Braves.

Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins lost his life in a tragic boating accident on Saturday night. Fernandez was just 24 years old made his last start on Sept. 20 against the Washington Nationals. He pitched eight scoreless innings and recorded 12 strikeouts.

After news of his death, the Marlins announced the cancellation of its scheduled game on Sunday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. Fernandez, was 16-8 with a 2.86 ERA this season. The 24-year old pitched in his second All-Star game this season.

Fernandez made his MLB debut on April 7, 2013 and won the NL Rookie of the Year award that season. Fernandez is a native of Cuba and defected to the United States when he was 15 years old in 2007. After establishing residency in Tampa, Fla., Fernandez attended Braulio Alonso High School.

The Marlins drafted Fernandez in the first round of the 2011 draft with the 14th pick. Fernandez had a successful rookie year as he finished third in Cy Young Award voting in the NL. In 2013, Fernandez finished the season 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA. In 2014, Fernandez only made eight starts as he had to undergo Tommy John surgery for a torn UCL in his right elbow. Fernandez made 11 starts in 2015, and went 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA.

With the news of Fernandez’s death, the Marlins and MLB loses a great young player. Fernandez was a spark plug for the Marlins and was one of the faces of that franchise. Fernandez was the last pitcher to pitch to David Ortiz in this year’s All-Star game. With a beaming personality, the baseball world has lost a shining star in Fernandez.