- The Washington Times - Tuesday, September 27, 2016

In an emotional game filled with tributes and remembrances for the late Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon had a special, touching moment.

Gordon and the Marlins returned to the baseball diamond for the first game since the pitcher died in a boating accident. The entire Marlins team donned Fernandez’s familiar No. 16 jersey.

Gordon walked to home plate at his first at bat, lining up as a right-handed hitter. Gordon took the first pitch, then lined back up to his familiar left-handed side. Two pitches later, Gordon hit a home run. It was his first home run of the season.

After the game, Gordon called the home run for his teammate the best moment of his life.

“Man, I told the boys, ’If ya’ll don’t believe in God, ya’ll might as well start,’” Gordon said. “I don’t have kids, so that’s the best moment of my life to hit a home run for him.” 

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Monday that the club will retire Fernandez’s No. 16.

• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.

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