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.
“I don’t have kids, so hitting a HR for Jose Fernandez is the best moment of my life” - Dee Gordon after the @Marlins win. pic.twitter.com/AtU0ZfQkLP
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) September 27, 2016
“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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