Manager Bob Melvin said that all of baseball would have heavy hearts on Sunday after the death of Marlins star Jose Fernandez, 24, in a boating accident.
“The impact he had on his teammates and fans, you could feel it, you could sense it,” Melvin said. “He was not only a great performer, but an entertainer, too, you could tell he loved to be out there, love to pitch. You pull hard for guys who enjoy the game, and you could tell he did, immensely.”
First baseman Yonder Alonso, who is from Miami, had gotten to know Fernandez will over the years at offseason events and considered him a good friend.