Breaking: Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez Dies in Boating Accident

Sad and shocking news out of Miami, where Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and two others have been killed in a boating accident. Fernandez was just 24 years old.

According to reports, his boat crashed into the rocks off Miami Beach early Sunday morning.

The Marlins said in a statement:

“The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”

The Marlins canceled their game with the Braves on Sunday. Fernandez was set to pitch against the Mets on Monday.

Jose Fernandez made his major league debut on April 7, 2013 against the Mets. Here’s what I wrote about the game:

… Jose Fernandez baffled Mets hitters. The 20-year-old Cuban defector who made the jump from Single-A all the way to the big leagues was perfect through three innings…

Fernandez was removed after five innings and 80 pitches. He allowed just the one run on three hits, with eight strikeouts and one walk.  The Mets just could not catch up to his fastball or figure out his fine breaking pitch.

Fernandez lived up to his early promise, and then some. He won Rookie of the Year in 2013, then needed Tommy John surgery in 2014. Between 2014 and 2015 he made 19 starts, and came back strong last year. He was having another stellar season this year. For his career, Fernandez went 38-17 with a 2.58 ERA.

Obviously this is devastating on a human level, but it is also heartbreaking from a baseball perspective. Fernandez was one of the best pitchers in the game, and was destined for even greater things on the field. Such a sad, sad thing to have happened.