José Fernández (pitcher) explained

José Fernández
Position:Pitcher
Birth Date:31 July 1992
Birth Place:Santa Clara, Cuba
Death Place:Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:April 7
Debutyear:2013
Debutteam:Miami Marlins
Finalleague:MLB
Finaldate:September 20
Finalyear:2016
Finalteam:Miami Marlins
Statleague:MLB
Stat1label:Win–loss record
Stat1value:38–17
Stat2label:Earned run average
Stat2value:2.58
Stat3label:Strikeouts
Stat3value:589
Teams:
Awards:

José Delfín Fernández Gómez (July 31, 1992 – September 25, 2016) was a Cuban-born American professional baseball pitcher who played four seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was a member of the Miami Marlins from 2013 until his death in 2016. He stood 6inchesft3inchesin (ftin) tall and weighed 243lb during his playing career. He was affectionately known as "Niño" to his teammates and fans due to the youthful exuberance with which he played the game.[1] [2]

Fernández was born in Santa Clara, Cuba. He made three unsuccessful attempts at defecting to the United States before he finally succeeded in 2008. He enrolled at Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa, Florida, and was selected by the Marlins in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft. Fernández made his MLB debut with the Marlins on April 7, 2013. He was named to the 2013 National League All-Star Team, and won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Month Award in July and August. After the season, he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award and finished third in Cy Young Award balloting. He underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2014 season and was named to his second All-Star Game in 2016.

Fernández and two other men were killed in a pre-dawn boating crash into a jetty off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida, on September 25, 2016.

Early life

Fernández grew up in Santa Clara, Cuba, where he lived on the same street as his friend and future Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop Aledmys Díaz.[3] They played for the same youth baseball team, and Díaz's father and uncle encouraged Fernández's mother to bring him to the ballpark. Fernández commented that he pursued a professional baseball career because Díaz's uncle had been an influence early in his life.[4] [5]

Ramón Jiménez, Fernández's stepfather, defected from Cuba in 2005, settling in Tampa, Florida. On three occasions, José unsuccessfully attempted to defect; each failed defection attempt was followed by a prison term. On his fourth attempt in 2007, José successfully defected at age 15 with his mother and sister. José's mother fell overboard when the boat hit turbulent waters, and he dived into the water to save her life.[6] They reached Mexico and then moved to Tampa in 2008.[7]

Ramon knew Orlando Chinea, a coach who lived in the Tampa area. Chinea had trained some of Cuba's top pitchers before he defected to Tampa. Ramon had José train with Chinea.[8] He attended Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa, Florida. Playing on the high school baseball team, José was part of the Florida Class 6A state champions in his sophomore and senior seasons. Before his senior year in 2011, the Florida High School Athletic Association ruled that Fernández was ineligible, as he entered the ninth grade while in Cuba in 2006 and had therefore exhausted his eligibility. MLB's Cincinnati Reds were prepared to sign Fernández as an international free agent to a $1.3 million signing bonus. Fernández won an appeal and was declared eligible for his senior year, ending Cincinnati's pursuit.[9] As a senior, Fernández pitched to a 13–1 win–loss record with a 2.35 earned run average (ERA) and 134 strikeouts. He also threw two no-hitters. He was committed to play baseball at the University of South Florida.[10]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The Florida Marlins selected Fernández 14th overall in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft.[11] Fernández signed with the Marlins, receiving a $2 million signing bonus.[12] After he signed with the Marlins, he made one start for the Gulf Coast Marlins of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, and one start for the Jamestown Jammers of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League.[13]

Pitching for the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the Class A South Atlantic League (SAL) to start the 2012 season, Fernández threw the first six innings of a combined no-hitter.[11] He was twice named the SAL pitcher of the week.[14] Fernández was named to appear in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game.[15] After pitching to a 7–0 win–loss record and a 1.59 ERA in 14 games for Greensboro, the Marlins promoted Fernández to the Jupiter Hammerheads of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League.[13] He finished the 2012 season with a 14–1 win–loss record, a 1.75 ERA, and 158 strikeouts in 134 innings pitched at Greensboro and Jupiter. He was named the Marlins' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.[16]

Miami Marlins (2013–2016)

2013 season: Rookie of the Year

Prior to the 2013 season, Baseball America ranked Fernández as the Marlins' best prospect and the fifth best prospect in all of baseball.[17] [18] The Marlins invited Fernández to spring training but sent him to minor league camp before the season began. However, they chose to add Fernández to their 25-man Opening Day roster, due in part to injuries to Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Álvarez.[19] Also, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria hoped that promoting Fernández would buy him goodwill with the fans, following a fire sale the previous offseason.[20] He was planned to be limited to approximately 150 to 170 innings during the 2013 season in order to protect his development.[21] He was the second youngest National League player that season, older only than the Nationals' Bryce Harper.[22]

Fernández made his major league debut on April 7 against the New York Mets at Citi Field.[23] He pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits with eight strikeouts. He became the seventh pitcher since 1916 under the age of 21 who recorded at least eight strikeouts in his MLB debut.[24] Fernández had a rough outing against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 27. Rays' manager Joe Maddon took to Twitter soon after watching Fernández pitch, saying, "José Fernández might be the best young pitcher I've ever seen, at that age. I believe he will go far."[25]

On July 6, 2013, Fernández was selected to represent the Marlins for the National League All-Star team. He pitched a perfect 6th inning in the 2013 All-Star Game in which he struck out Dustin Pedroia, got Miguel Cabrera to pop out, and struck out Chris Davis. With this performance, Fernández is one of only three pitchers in the history of the All-Star Game who struck out two batters prior to their 21st birthday for their All-Star debut, the other two being Dwight Gooden and Bob Feller.[26]

Fernández struck out 13 batters in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 28, earning the 3–2 victory.[27] With Fernández's 14-strikeout performance against the Cleveland Indians on August 3, 2013, he became just the sixth pitcher since 2000 to strike out 13 or more batters in consecutive games.[28] He established the Marlins' rookie record for most strikeouts in one game. For his performance in July 2013, Fernández was named the Rookie of the Month for the National League, leading all qualified rookie pitchers in ERA.[29] He followed up his July by compiling a 1.15 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 39 innings pitched in August, which resulted him in receiving a second consecutive Rookie of the Month Award.[30]

Fernández's rookie season was considered historic[31] [32] as his 4.2 Wins Above Replacement placed him in the Top 10 player seasons among those under 21 years old since 1900. Fernández's Adjusted ERA+ of 174[33] on the season also placed him in the Top 10 all-time for pitchers under the age of 21, and he became only the fourth pitcher to record this feat in the past century.[34] His strikeout rate is the highest in his league, pacing the National League at 9.81 strikeouts per nine innings.[35]

At the time after his last start of his rookie season, Fernández was in the top 10 of many pitching statistics in the National League, including sixth in strikeouts (187), first in strikeouts per nine innings (9.75) and hits allowed per nine innings (5.759), second in ERA (2.19) and Adjusted ERA+ (176), and third in WAR (6.3).[36] Fernández won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award and the National League Rookie of the Year Award.[37] [38] He came in third place in the Cy Young Award voting behind Adam Wainwright and winner Clayton Kershaw.[39]

2014 season

Fernández started his sophomore campaign as the Opening Day starter for the Marlins, making him the youngest Opening Day starting pitcher since Dwight Gooden in 1986.[40] Fernández recorded nine strikeouts while walking none, and he joined Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, Ferguson Jenkins, Walter Johnson, and Cy Young as the only pitchers to do so on Opening Day.[41] On May 12, Fernández was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a right elbow sprain. An MRI revealed that the elbow had a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which prematurely ended Fernández's 2014 season.[42] [43] He underwent Tommy John surgery on May 16. He made eight starts, going 4–2 with a 2.44 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 2014.[44]

2015 season

Fernández began the 2015 season on the 15-day disabled list but was later moved to the 60-day disabled list to continue recovery from Tommy John surgery.[45] It was announced by the Marlins on June 15 that he would make his season debut on July 2.[46] In his debut, Fernández recorded six strikeouts in six innings. He also hit a home run.[47] Fernández returned to the disabled list in August with a biceps strain in his pitching arm.[48] He returned to the mound in September and set a major league record for consecutive wins at home by a single pitcher with his seventeenth such win on the 25th of that month.[49] [50]

2016 season

To aid his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Fernández cut back on the use of his fastball during spring training in 2016 and began working on his secondary pitches.[51] Appearing as a pinch hitter in the 12th inning against the Atlanta Braves on July 1, Fernández doubled in two runs to put the Marlins ahead 7–5, which ended up being the final score. He became just the second pitcher in Marlins history to produce a game-winning hit, following Dennis Cook on August 1, 1997.[52] Fernández appeared in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game.[53]

Fernández pitched his last game on September 20. He threw eight shutout innings in a 1–0 win against the division-leading Nationals, striking out 12 batters and allowing just three hits with no walks. Afterwards, Marlins infielder Martín Prado recalled that Fernández told a teammate it was "the best game he ever pitched".[54]

He finished 2016 with an MLB-leading 12.49 strikeouts per nine innings and a new Marlins' season record of 253 strikeouts in innings. He won 16 games, the best of his four-year career, while losing eight, with a 2.86 ERA. He had the highest line drive percentage allowed (28.0%) of all major league pitchers.[55] He also had the lowest percentage of balls pulled against him (33.3%) among major league pitchers, and led major league pitchers in lowest contact percentage (67.5%).[56] [57] For his career, he had a 38–17 win–loss record for a winning percentage and a 2.58 ERA.[58]

Pitching style

Fernández had four pitches in his repertoire: a four-seam fastball that averaged 94- and topped at,[59] a slurve[60] at 80-, a changeup at 87-, and an occasional sinker at 93-.[61]

Personal life

Fernández considered his grandmother, Olga, the "love of his life".[62] After six years apart, Olga and José were reunited in Miami after the 2013 baseball season.[63] [64] Fernandez married Alejandra Baleato Marichal, his high school sweetheart, in December 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The couple divorced in 2014.[65] On April 24, 2015, he became a citizen of the United States.[66] [67]

On September 20, 2016, five days prior to his death in a boating accident, Fernández announced that his girlfriend Maria Arias was pregnant with their child.[68] Fernández's daughter was born in February 2017.[69]

Fernández was good friends with teammate Dee Strange-Gordon. Strange-Gordon paid tribute to him on the day after his death by wearing Fernández's batting helmet and standing in the right-hand batter's box for the first pitch from Mets' starter Bartolo Colón. He then switched sides and hit a lead-off home run, which was his only home run of the year. After rounding the bases, Strange-Gordon wept as he pointed to the sky as a tribute to his deceased friend.[70]

Death

On September 25, 2016, Fernández died in a pre-dawn boating crash when the 32feet boat he was piloting was speeding at 56.48 knots (65 mph) and struck the Government Cut north rock jetty off Miami Beach, Florida.[71] [72] The U.S. Coast Guard found the boat, ꓘaught Looking,[73] at about 3:00 a.m., overturned on the jetty near South Pointe Park, and found Fernandez and two other men, Eduardo Rivero and Emilio Jesus Macias, dead at the scene.[71] [74] A Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) official confirmed that Fernández had died from the blunt impact of the crash.[75] The commission received a toxicology report from the medical examiner of Miami-Dade County, but opted not to release the results.[76] On October 28, 2016, ESPN obtained the autopsy and toxicology reports, which determined that Fernández had cocaine in his system and was legally drunk (DWI) at the time of the crash.[77]

The Marlins canceled their game against the Atlanta Braves on the day of his death.[70] Teams around the major leagues honored Fernández, paying tribute with a league-wide moment of silence and the display of his jersey No. 16.[78] The Miami Dolphins also observed a moment of silence before their Sunday football game against the Cleveland Browns.[79] The next day, all players wore his jersey for the final time for that night's game, a 7–3 win over the New York Mets.[80] The City of Miami and the Marlins held a public memorial and funeral procession for Fernández on September 28.[81] His ashes were scattered at sea on October 2.[82]

In a search warrant affidavit, Miami-Dade County authorities stated that a strong odor of alcohol was found on the three men who died in the crash, and evidence indicated that Fernández was speeding and driving with "recklessness" that was "exacerbated by the consumption of alcohol".[83] [84] In February 2017, the families of Eduardo Rivero and Emilio Jesus Macias sued Fernández's estate for $2 million each, claiming negligence and personal injury.[85] The lawsuit was settled on July 31, 2018, for an undisclosed sum.[86]

On March 16, 2017, the final investigative report on the incident confirmed that Fernández was piloting the boat at the time of the incident "in a reckless manner, at an extremely high rate of speed, in the darkness of night, in an area with known navigational hazards such as rock jetties and channel markers." The report concluded that he was legally drunk, having a blood alcohol content of 0.147%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08%. Fernández also had cocaine in his system and was liable for multiple crimes, including involuntary manslaughter, boating under the influence, vessel homicide, and reckless or careless operation of a vessel.[87] [88] [89] Fernández family attorney Ralph Fernandez (no relation to the deceased) challenged the findings of the final report, claiming that Fernández was framed as the boat pilot and that someone had spiked his drink with cocaine.[90]

Prior to the investigative report, there had been talks about honoring Fernández with a statue, streets named after him, and plaques throughout the city.[91], a plaque showing his jersey No. 16, years of birth and death, and a black ribbon is displayed outside of LoanDepot Park.[92]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jose Fernandez's teammates honor late pitcher with mural in Brazil. Miami Herald. March 11, 2017. July 27, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180727024550/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article108927127.html. live.
  2. Web site: Giancarlo Stanton pays tribute to Jose Fernandez with graffiti art in Brazil. October 18, 2016 . Sun Sentinel. March 11, 2017. July 26, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180726234301/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/sfl-giancarlo-stanton-pays-tribute-to-jose-fernandez-with-graffiti-art-in-brazil-20161018-htmlstory.html. live.
  3. News: Diaz's homer helps Cardinals beat Marlins and Fernández, 5–4 . . July 28, 2016 . July 29, 2016 . . July 29, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160729100617/http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360728128 . live .
  4. News: Healy . Tim . Jose Fernandez falters as Aledmys Diaz, Cardinals beat Marlins, 5–4 . . July 28, 2016 . July 29, 2016 . July 30, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160730181508/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-marlins-cardinals-0729-20160728-story.html . live .
  5. News: Goold . Derrick . Against boyhood friend, Diaz homers to send Cards to 3–0 lead . . July 28, 2016 . July 28, 2016 . August 1, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160801064558/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/against-boyhood-friend-diaz-homers-to-send-cards-to-/article_88fda9aa-d767-5aea-8ba4-2d5ef724fac9.html . live .
  6. Web site: Jose Fernandez set to make MLB debut Sunday . https://archive.today/20130616031748/http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/mlb/miami-marlins/story/Jose-Fernandez-set-to-make-MLB-debut-Sun?blockID=888847&feedID=3720 . dead . June 16, 2013 . Charlie . McCarthy . Fox Sports Florida . January 17, 2013 . April 6, 2013 .
  7. Web site: Jose Fernandez: The American Dream. Jeff. Passan. Jeff Passan. Yahoo! Sports. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160925235610/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jose-fernandez-the-american-dream-172335052.html. live.
  8. News: Rodriguez. Juan C.. Miami Marlins: Top prospect Jose Fernandez credits personal pitching coach Orlando Chinea for speedy ascent to majors. Sun Sentinel. April 2, 2013. April 5, 2013. April 6, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130406075020/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-04-02/sports/fl-marlins-fernandez-0403-20130402_1_orlando-chinea-tampa-alonso-high-school-cuba. live.
  9. Web site: Reds were on the trail of Marlins' Fernandez. John. Fay. The Cincinnati Enquirer. July 12, 2015. July 13, 2015.
  10. Web site: Jose Fernandez Class of 2011 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA .
  11. Web site: Florida high school sports. Tampa Bay Times. April 24, 2012. April 5, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140222234949/http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/former-alonso-p-jose-fernandez-anchors-minor-league-no-hitter/13622/. February 22, 2014.
  12. News: Marlins reach deal with top Draft pick Jose Fernandez. Major League Baseball. August 15, 2011. April 6, 2013.
  13. Web site: Fernandez stood out in brief Minors career: Marlins' 2011 first-round pick remembered as 'truly one of a kind'. Tyler. Maun. MiLB.com. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. February 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170207135647/http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160925&content_id=203283806&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb. live.
  14. News: Miami Marlins sending two prospects to All-Star Futures Game. Major League Baseball. June 29, 2012. April 6, 2013. February 1, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130201052627/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120621&content_id=33682074&vkey=news_mia&c_id=mia. live.
  15. Web site: Mayo. Jonathan. Prospects pack rosters for 2012 All-Star Futures Game. MLB.com. March 12, 2013. April 5, 2013. June 23, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120623075429/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120620&content_id=33663130&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb. live.
  16. News: Rodriguez. Juan C.. Marlins recognize top minor leaguers Yelich, Fernandez. Sun Sentinel. September 29, 2012. April 5, 2013. June 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215000/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-09-29/sports/fl-miami-marlins-0930-20120929_1_tampa-alonso-high-school-christian-yelich-marlins-park. live.
  17. Web site: Bailey. James. Marlins top 2013 prospects. Baseball America. December 12, 2012. April 5, 2013. December 1, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081720/https://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2013/2614456.html. live.
  18. Web site: 2013 Top 100 Prospects. Baseball America. February 19, 2013. April 5, 2013. December 15, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131215184542/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2013/2614739.html. live.
  19. News: Top Marlins prospect Jose Fernandez added to roster. USA Today. March 31, 2013. April 5, 2013. April 3, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130403114955/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/marlins/2013/03/31/jose-fernandez-miami-pitching-prospect-opening-day-roster/2039811/. live.
  20. Web site: Sources: Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria personally mandated pitching lineup change . Yahoo! . September 10, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130914061518/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--marlins-owner-jeffrey-loria-personally-mandated-lineup-change-150755500.html . September 14, 2013 .
  21. News: Spencer . Clark . WASHINGTON: In shocker, 20-year-old pitcher Jose Fernandez makes Miami Marlins starting rotation . Bradenton Herald . April 1, 2013 . April 6, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150403155940/http://www.bradenton.com/welcome_page?shf=%2F2013%2F04%2F01%2F4462283_in-shocker-20-year-old-pitcher.html . April 3, 2015 .
  22. Web site: 2013 National League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders Baseball-Reference.com. Baseball-Reference.com. March 27, 2018. December 1, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131526/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2013-other-leaders.shtml. live.
  23. News: Jose Fernandez set to make MLB debut Sunday. Fox Sports Florida. January 17, 2013. April 6, 2013. November 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211107075342/https://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/jose-fernandez-set-to-make-mlb-debut-sunday-040513. live.
  24. Web site: Rodriguez. Juan C.. New York Mets walk-off Miami Marlins, deny Jose Fernandez win in stellar MLB debut. https://archive.today/20130616031804/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-marlins-0408-20130407,0,5648677.story. dead. June 16, 2013. Sun-Sentinel. April 7, 2013. April 10, 2013.
  25. Web site: Jose Fernandez, Marlins ace and Alonso grad, dies in boating accident. Roger. Mooney. Tampa Bay Times. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. September 26, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160926212122/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/ml/jose-fernandez-marlins-ace-and-alonso-grad-dies-in-boating-accident/2295140. live.
  26. News: Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez shines at MLB All-Star Game. July 17, 2013. The Miami Herald. September 2, 2013. January 2, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191142/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/17/3503806/miami-marlins-jose-fernandez-shines.html. live.
  27. Web site: Jose Fernandez strikes out 13 as Marlins take series from Pirates. Neal. David J.. July 29, 2013. The Miami Herald. August 3, 2013. October 23, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061129/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/29/3528317/jose-fernandez-strikes-out-13.html. live.
  28. A young Jose Fernandez continues to make history in fanning 14 Cleveland Indians. Lemire. Joe. August 3, 2013. Sports Illustrated. August 3, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130805214332/http://mlb.si.com/2013/08/03/jose-fernandez-miami-marlins-cleveland-indians/. August 5, 2013.
  29. Web site: Fernandez named NL Rookie of the Month. August 5, 2013. Major League Baseball. August 13, 2013. August 17, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140817022124/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130805&content_id=55975422&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb. live.
  30. News: Marlins Jose Fernandez voted National League Rookie of the Month for August. September 4, 2013. Major League Baseball. September 11, 2013. August 12, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140812162406/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130904&content_id=59550722&vkey=pr_mlb&c_id=mlb. live.
  31. Web site: Fernandez's year might be best by rookie pitcher. September 11, 2013. Major League Baseball. September 11, 2013. October 23, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131023083103/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130911&content_id=60186728&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb. live.
  32. Web site: Jose Fernandez's Historically Great Season. September 1, 2013. SB Nation. September 2, 2013. November 16, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181116051156/https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2013/9/1/4682588/jose-fernandezs-historically-great-season. live.
  33. Web site: Jose Fernandez Statistics by Baseball-Reference. Baseball-Reference. September 11, 2013. September 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921080236/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fernajo02.shtml. live.
  34. Web site: Jose Fernandez is Having a Historic Season. August 2013. Field Rush. September 2, 2013. November 3, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161103125907/http://www.fieldrush.com/miami-marlins-jose-fernandez-having-historic-season. live.
  35. Web site: National League Leaderboards » 2013 » Starters » Dashboard. September 2, 2013. FanGraphs. September 2, 2013. December 15, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181215171912/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&lg=nl&qual=y&type=8&season=2013&month=0&season1=2013&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=9,d. live.
  36. Web site: 2013 National League Pitching Leaders. Baseball-Reference. September 11, 2013. September 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921080114/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2013-pitching-leaders.shtml. live.
  37. News: Spencer. Clark. Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez named Sporting News NL Rookie of Year – Miami Marlins. The Miami Herald. November 14, 2013. October 23, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061138/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/10/22/3703273/miami-marlins-jose-fernandez-named.html. live.
  38. News: Spencer. Clark. ORLANDO: Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez voted NL Rookie of the Year – Miami Marlins. The Miami Herald. September 28, 2013. November 14, 2013. November 12, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131112211227/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/12/3746844/miami-marlins-jose-fernandez-voted.html. live.
  39. News: November 13, 2013. Juan C.. Rodriguez. Jose Fernandez third in NL Cy Young voting. Sun Sentinel. November 14, 2013. January 2, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191541/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-11-13/sports/sfl-jose-fernandez-third-in-nl-cy-young-voting-20131113_1_nl-cy-young-voting-jose-fernandez. live.
  40. News: Miami Marlins phenom pitcher Jose Fernandez to be front and center on Opening Night. The Miami Herald. March 31, 2014. April 5, 2014. April 7, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080402/http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/31/4029455/miami-marlins-phenom-pitcher-jose.html. live.
  41. News: April 4, 2014. Grandmother enjoys watching Marlins' Fernandez pitch, win. Associated Press. April 5, 2014. June 7, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140607175045/http://msn.foxsports.com/florida/story/jose-fernandez-s-grandmother-sees-him-pitch-for-the-first-time-with-marlins-033114. live.
  42. Web site: Marlins expect Jose Fernandez to have season-ending elbow surgery . Brown . David . Yahoo! . May 12, 2014 . May 12, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140513224010/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/jose-fernandez-to-dl-with-right-elbow-sprain-230822719.html . May 13, 2014 .
  43. News: Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez to undergo Tommy John surgery, miss 2014 season. Clark. Spencer. The Miami Herald. May 13, 2014. July 9, 2015. May 14, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140514151032/http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/13/4115021/report-jose-fernandez-has-significant.html. live.
  44. News: Jose Fernandez has Tommy John surgery on pitching elbow: Attorney for hurler says changed throwing motion led to injury. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Associated Press. May 16, 2014. September 25, 2016. November 21, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161121081345/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/jose-fernandez-has-tommy-john-surgery-on-pitching-elbow-1.2646102. live.
  45. News: Miami Marlins – TeamReport. March 9, 2016. Reuters. June 2, 2015. March 10, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160310082908/http://www.reuters.com/article/bbo-marlins-teamreport-idUSMTZEB62B5P3Y320150602. live.
  46. News: Davis. Craig. Fernandez targets return for July 2 vs. Giants. March 9, 2016. Sun Sentinel. June 15, 2015. November 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201113003226/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-miami-marlins-news-0615-20150615-story.html. live.
  47. News: Frisaro. Joe. Welcome back, back, back ... Jose Fernandez!. March 9, 2016. Major League Baseball. July 2, 2015. March 5, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305033807/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/134242704/jose-fernandez-earns-win-homers-in-2015-debut. live.
  48. News: Frisaro. Joe. Fernandez (biceps strain) to DL; no structural damage. March 9, 2016. Major League Baseball. August 11, 2015. September 11, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170911111453/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/142494536/injured-pitcher-jose-fernandez-placed-on-dl/. live.
  49. News: Spencer. Clark. Jose Fernandez struggles but sets unbeaten home record as Marlins top Braves 12–11. March 9, 2016. The Miami Herald. September 25, 2015. April 2, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190402113829/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article36647019.html. live.
  50. News: Jose Fernandez 1st to win first 17 home decisions as Marlins beat Braves. Associated Press. September 25, 2015. September 26, 2015. ESPN. February 3, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160203125207/http://espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=350925128. dead.
  51. News: Spencer. Clark. New mind-set for Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez. March 9, 2016. The Miami Herald. March 7, 2016. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102536/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article64666247.html. live.
  52. News: Davis . Craig . Jose Fernandez pinch hits, gets winning hit for Marlins in 12th . Sun-Sentinel . July 2, 2016 . July 2, 2016 . November 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201115191929/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-marlins-braves-0702-20160701-story.html . live .
  53. Web site: Fernandez's moment with Ortiz, Ozuna's hit highlight Marlins' All-Star Game experience. The Miami Herald. Andre C.. Fernandez. July 12, 2016. September 25, 2016. September 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160927014401/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article89270297.html. live.
  54. News: Prado: Fernandez Told Teammate His Last Game Was His "Best Ever". CBS Miami. September 25, 2016. September 26, 2016. September 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160927114658/http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/09/25/prado-fernandez-told-teammate-his-last-game-was-his-best-ever/. live.
  55. Web site: Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Pitchers » Batted Ball Statistics FanGraphs Baseball . December 26, 2018 . December 26, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181226232609/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=5,d . live .
  56. Web site: Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Pitchers » Plate Discipline Statistics FanGraphs Baseball . December 27, 2018 . December 27, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181227133226/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=5&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=8,a . live .
  57. Web site: Major League Leaderboards » 2016 » Pitchers » Batted Ball Statistics FanGraphs Baseball . December 26, 2018 . December 27, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181227040701/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=15,a . live .
  58. Web site: Jose Fernandez . Baseball-reference.com . September 25, 2016 . September 23, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160923040613/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fernajo02.shtml . live .
  59. Web site: PitchFx » Overview FanGraphs Baseball . April 9, 2017 . November 20, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181120040603/https://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfx.aspx?playerid=11530&position=P . live .
  60. Web site: Jose Fernandez Has Two Breaking Balls FanGraphs Baseball . April 28, 2016 . April 15, 2017 . December 25, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181225102830/https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/jose-fernandez-has-two-breaking-balls/ . live .
  61. Web site: Player Card: Jose Fernandez. brooksbaseball.net. July 9, 2015. December 15, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122311/http://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=605228. live.
  62. Web site: Le Batard. Dan. Stars align for Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez – Dan Le Batard. The Miami Herald. July 16, 2013. November 14, 2013. November 11, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131111095515/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/16/3501520/dan-le-batard-stars-align-for.html. live.
  63. News: Marlins' Jose Fernandez has emotional reunion with grandmother. Major League Baseball. November 14, 2013. November 11, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131111062238/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/marlins-jose-fernandez-has-emotional-reunion-with-grandmother?ymd=20131110&content_id=63828810&vkey=news_mlb. live.
  64. News: Berg. Ted. Jose Fernandez's reunion with his Cuban grandmother will make you cry. For The Win/USA Today. July 16, 2013. November 14, 2013. November 14, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131114230849/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/11/jose-fernandezs-reunion-with-his-cuban-grandmother-will-make-you-cry/. live.
  65. Web site: Miami Marlins star Jose Fernandez was married before MLB debut | Miami Herald . . March 3, 2019 . March 6, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044448/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article134761844.html . live .
  66. News: Marlins' Jose Fernandez Becomes U.S. Citizen . CBS Miami . April 24, 2015 . April 24, 2015 . November 19, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201119085108/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2015/04/24/marlins-jose-fernandez-to-become-u-s-citizen/ . live .
  67. News: Miami pitcher Jose Fernandez, from Cuba, becomes US citizen . April 24, 2015 . Associated Press . ESPN . April 24, 2015 . February 3, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160203125207/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12755078 . live .
  68. Web site: Marlins' Jose Fernandez's girlfriend apparently pregnant. Ryan. Hatch. NJ Advance Media. NJ.com. September 25, 2016. March 6, 2019. March 7, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054607/https://www.nj.com/mets/2016/09/marlins_jose_fernandez_girlfriend_pregnant.html. live.
  69. Web site: Spencer. Clark. It's a girl! Jose Fernandez's baby born Friday. Miami Herald. Miami Herald. February 26, 2017. February 26, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170226131502/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/fish-bytes/article134949149.html. live.
  70. Web site: Jose Fernandez, Marlins pitcher, killed in boating accident at 24 years old. Daily News. New York. Amara. Grautski. Dan. Good. Stephen. Rex Brown. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. April 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190417095653/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/jose-fernandez-marlins-pitcher-killed-boating-accident-article-1.2805674. live.
  71. Web site: Jose Fernandez dies in boating accident. ESPN. September 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160925133154/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17632541/miami-marlins-ace-jose-fernandez-dies-boating-accident. September 25, 2016. live. September 25, 2016.
  72. Web site: Jose Fernandez's family says crash has left them in financial . April 18, 2018 . March 6, 2019 . March 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054244/https://www.local10.com/sports/mlb/marlins/jose-fernandezs-family-says-crash-has-left-them-in-financial-ruin . live .
  73. Pronounced "Caught Looking." The backwards K (ꓘ) is a reference to the scorekeeping symbol for a Strikeout Looking.
  74. Web site: Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez killed in boating crash. The Miami Herald. Spencer. Clark. Neal. David J.. September 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160925134138/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article104071446.html. September 25, 2016. live. September 25, 2016.
  75. Web site: Official: Jose Fernandez died from crash impact, not drowning. Walter. Villa. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. USA Today. September 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160925175015/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/09/25/jose-fernandez-dies-boat-accident-details-miami-marlins/91078098/. live.
  76. Web site: Investigators keep Jose Fernandez toxicology results confidential. David. Smiley. Miami Herald. October 4, 2016. October 5, 2016. October 5, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161005123341/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article105973577.html. live.
  77. Web site: Toxicology report shows Jose Fernandez had alcohol, cocaine in system at time of deadly boating crash . Espn.com . 2016-10-29 . 2019-07-16 . March 25, 2017 . https://archive.today/20170325095244/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17919178/toxicology-report-shows-jose-fernandez-had-alcohol-cocaine-system-deadly-boating-crash . live .
  78. Web site: LOOK: Here's how players paid respect to Jose Fernandez during MLB games: The baseball world continues to react to Jose Fernandez' passing. R.J.. Anderson. CBS Sports. September 25, 2016. September 25, 2016. September 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160927113620/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/look-heres-how-players-paid-respect-to-jose-fernandez-during-mlb-games/. live.
  79. Web site: Jose Fernandez dies in boating accident. ESPN. September 26, 2016. September 26, 2016. September 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160925133154/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17632541/miami-marlins-ace-jose-fernandez-dies-boating-accident. live.
  80. Marlins will retire No. 16 in honor of Jose Fernandez. Kenny. Ducey. Sports Illustrated. September 26, 2016. September 26, 2016. September 28, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160928170109/http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/09/26/marlins-retire-jose-fernandez-jersey-number. live.
  81. Web site: Marlins players surrounded Jose Fernandez's hearse in a moving tribute. USA Today. Andrew. Joseph. September 28, 2016. September 28, 2016. October 2, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161002102811/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/09/marlins-players-jose-fernandez-hearse-memorial-service. live.
  82. Web site: Jose Fernandez's ashes scattered at sea. Fox Sports. Barry. Werner. October 4, 2016. October 5, 2016. October 6, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161006154258/http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/jose-fernandezs-ashes-scattered-at-sea-2-100416. live.
  83. News: Report: Alcohol factored in Fernandez boat crash. ESPN.com. 2016-10-27. October 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161027120958/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17893722/miami-marlins-pitcher-jose-fernandez-friends-reportedly-had-strong-odor-alcohol-deadly-boat-crash. live.
  84. News: Toxicology report shows Jose Fernandez drunk, used cocaine. ESPN.com. 2016-10-29. March 25, 2017. https://archive.today/20170325095244/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17919178/toxicology-report-shows-jose-fernandez-had-alcohol-cocaine-system-deadly-boating-crash. live.
  85. Web site: Families of two men killed in boat crash suing estate of late Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. Rafael. Olmeda. Sun-Sentinel. February 10, 2017. February 11, 2017. February 11, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170211022048/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-reg-jose-fernandez-personal-injury-lawsuit-20170210-story.html. live.
  86. Web site: Lawsuit against estate of late Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez is settled. Linda. Trischitta. August 3, 2018. July 1, 2019. Sun-Sentinel. July 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190701225427/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-reg-jose-fernandez-lawsuit-settled-20180803-story.html. live.
  87. News: José Fernández piloted boat during fatal crash, report says. Ray. Sanchez. March 16, 2017. March 16, 2017. CNN.com. March 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170317055142/http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/16/us/miami-jose-fernandez-investigation-report/index.html?sr=twCNN031617miami-jose-fernandez-investigation-report0456PMVODtopLink&linkId=35541018. live.
  88. Web site: Martin. Christina. 'Case Summary/Incident Report' of the incident. Miami Herald. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. March 16, 2017. March 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143530/http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article138839023.ece/binary/Incident%20Report.pdf. live.
  89. Web site: Marlins still feel loss of Jose Fernandez one year after the light turned off. Jerry. Crasnick. ESPN. September 25, 2017. September 25, 2017. September 25, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225908/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20778371/marlins-feel-loss-jose-fernandez-one-year-light-turned-off. live.
  90. News: Lawyer For Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez: Deadly Boat Crash Investigation Flawed . Oralia . Ortega . . April 3, 2018 . March 7, 2019 . March 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173802/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2018/04/03/jose-fernandez-lawyer-boat-crash-investigation-flawed/ . live .
  91. Web site: Attorney alleges "cover-up" in probe of MLB star Jose Fernandez's death . CBS News . 2018-04-19 . 2019-07-16 . April 12, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190412223043/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jose-fernandez-death-attorney-alleges-cover-up-in-probe-of-miami-marlin-star/ . live .
  92. News: Marlins honor Jose Fernandez with plaque with no name . Jeff . Tavss . March 9, 2018 . . April 21, 2021 . April 12, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190412223049/https://www.local10.com/sports/mlb/marlins/marlins-honor-jose-fernandez-with-plaque-with-no-name . live .