September 25th, 2016- With 589 strikeouts and a 2.58 earned runs average (ERA), Jose Fernandez shocked baseball fans with his sensational talent during his three years as a Miami Marlin. Now, the world faces inevitable grief after Fernandez’s death in a boating accident off Miami Beach, Florida.

“If you were born into freedom, you don’t understand freedom,” Fernandez once said, reflecting upon his youth. The young star was born in Santa Clara, Cuba on July 31, 1992. Throughout his childhood, he lived in fear, attempting to defect thrice and arrested each time. But with great courage and an indomitable spirit, Fernandez and his family eventually defected successfully from Cuba in 2007; amidst the process, his mother fell off the family’s boat, and, remarkably, Fernandez saved her life. They arrived safely in Mexico, then moved to Tampa in 2008. There, Fernandez went on to play for his high school team, where he pitched to a 13-1 record with a 2.35 ERA.

In the 2011 MLB Draft, the Florida Marlins (now the Miami Marlins) drafted Fernandez in the first round, making him the 14th selection in the entire league. Fernandez signed on, going through the minor leagues, where he made numerous All-Star game appearances and won countless awards.

In his rookie season (2013), Fernandez pitched the highest strikeout rate among rookies, a stunning 9.81 strikeouts per 9 innings, and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award. He even represented the National League in that year’s All-Star Game, during which he pitched a perfect sixth inning.  Despite the difficult beginnings of his life, Fernandez developed into an extraordinary role model and baseball player.

Fernandez would continue to demonstrate his perseverance in the face of adversity after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow in 2014. The injury not only required Tommy John surgery, a procedure that requires a full-year of rehabilitation, but also cost Fernandez the better part of two seasons; he only made eight brief appearances in 2014, and he was placed on the disabled list for most of 2015.

Fernandez recovered in 2016, astonishingly managing to lead the entire MLB with the highest strikeout rate of the season, despite losing two years of field time to sustained injury. He pitched at a rate of 12.5 strikeouts per 9 innings, and he also appeared in the 2016 MLB All-Star game. Even with restrained pitching and fastballs from his injuries, Fernandez showcased remarkable talent and resilience.

Fernandez would play his last game on September 20th, 2016. Five days later, while on a boating excursion, Fernandez’s life was cut short after his boat, which travelled at top speeds of 100 MPH, crashed and overturned. The Marlins canceled their game against the Atlanta Braves that day, deciding to retire Fernandez’s uniform number the next day. To commemorate Fernandez’s successful career and mourn his tragic loss, every single MLB team stood in silence during their games. On September 28, the city of Miami held a funeral procession, and on October 2, Fernandez’s ashes were scattered in the ocean.

Fernandez’s death impacted not only the Miami Marlins but also numerous fans worldwide and here at Ridge. Cameron Mourey ‘18 states, “Fernandez was a phenomenal player to the Marlins Organization…I will miss his spirit and watching him play. He gave a lot to the game, and got a lot back. I’m really upset that the career of a potential hall-of-famer ended so soon.”

Fernandez’s death reached the hearts of many baseball fans, especially considering how young he was. Reflecting on his baseball career, Olivia Kim ‘17 observes, “It is very sad to see someone who worked hard his entire life, killed instantly. The grieving process will take a while, but eventually, we will all be able to get back on our feet and celebrate Fernandez’s vast accomplishments.”

Jose Fernandez was living proof that one can achieve anything; he was able to show other Cubans, athletes, and fans that there is always hope. He was played so many critical roles: a soon-to-be father, a star athlete, a role model, and an individual with remarkable character. Although he is no longer here, Jose Fernandez has left a legacy that will continue to live on.