The Death of a Rising Star Who Shaped My Love For Sports

If my son or daughter were to ask me the question, “What was Jose Fernandez like?”

I would say that he would’ve been one of the best players to ever step foot on a pitcher’s mound every 5th day. 

I would say that he had the ability to spin a baseball like no other, especially on his frisbee slider.  

I would say that he had a lightning fast fastball that could blow hitters away and say to themselves, “Wow, that was quick.”

But, I would also say that his personality was just as vibrant as his play on a baseball diamond. 

I would say that he wore the biggest smile on his face each and every day.

I would say that he treated everyone around him with respect.

I would say that he was humble and someone that I looked up to as a little kid. 

I was sitting in the basement of my church and was getting ready for Sunday School when I found out the news. 

My jaw dropped to the Earth’s core.

I was on the verge of crying because I knew just how much he meant to me not just as a baseball fan, but a sports fan as well. 

Continue to rest easy, my friend. 

And I’ll make sure to keep telling your story so you’ll never be forgotten. 

I’ll never forget you.