Miami’s José Fernández dies in boating accident

I am in shock. Twenty-four-years-old and gone. José Fernández, the Miami Marlins star pitcher, died in a boating accident that occurred very early Sunday morning. The boat, where two of Fernández’ friends also perished, apparently ramming violently and deadly against the South Pointe jetty, the southernmost point in Miami Beach .

Fernández made you like watching him play baseball. In a sport that has become boring to many, he was the exception. He was fun to watch. On the mound and in the ballpark, the young Cuban brought an excitement to the game that few can. As a person who loves the game and its intricacies, José reminded me of greats like Koufax, Gibson, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Carlton and others when he played. Surely they were all dissimilar. But on the field they all possessed that one quality that made you want to watch them, charisma.

His smile was infectious and lit up a stadium. His electricity and aura traveled the ages. This kid was destined for Cooperstown. No longer.

I hardly watch Marlins’ baseball. But with José on the mound, I made sure to tune in. There was always that possibility he would strike out 15, or flirt with a no-hitter. And if his teammates weren’t up to the task, he’d hit the home run to win the game for them. The other side didn’t like him, I am sure. He was cocky — the arrogance that greatness allows you.

Fernández is gone. And way too early. This kid, this baseball player, this Cuban American who became a Miamian and all that stands for, will never light up our skies again. You just knew he loved this game that would soon make him richer than he probably ever dreamed was possible.

May he rest in peace. And to his family members, friends and all who knew and loved him, so sorry for our great loss.