As the baseball world mourns the passing of Jose Fernandez, it is appropriate to reflect on his young life and how he and other baseball players like the Detroit Tigers live their lives to the fullest.
Like the Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias, Jose Fernandez grew up playing ball in Cuba. And, like all Cuban baseball players, he had to take a dangerous trip to the US to become a part of the MLB.
And, like Iglesias, Fernandez lit the baseball world on fire and has been a factor in bringing younger fans to the game.
He will be sorely missed.
His smile lit up the mound and his true love of the game was evident. Opposing players, like David Ortiz (who shared his thoughts about Fernandez on MLB.TV today) spoke about what a good guy Fernandez was on and off the field.
Tigers Twitter is thoroughly saddened by his passing.
The Tigers are saddened to hear of the passing of José Fernández & extend our condolences to the Fernández family & @Marlins organization. pic.twitter.com/3odcmlfNY3
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 25, 2016
And, so are Tigers fans.
The first thing you think of when it comes to Jose Fernandez.. his smile. #RIP pic.twitter.com/DUpvV6Asgp
— Motorcityfightingkitties (@PassMeAColdBurr) September 25, 2016
Players also expressed their sadness.
Such a sad day around the baseball community.... blown away by this news #RIPJose
— J.D. Martinez (@JDMartinez28) September 25, 2016
At Motor City Bengals, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jose Fernandez. We thank him for sharing his talent with the world and we will miss watching him on the mound.