The tragic accident that claimed the life of Jose Fernandez threw all of us for a loop Sunday morning.
It’s unbearably sad on so many levels.
No one should die at 24, particularly someone so full of life and hope, and he leaves a pregnant girlfriend behind, so difficult for his family.
Beyond that there are the stories, many told Sunday, of how wonderful a person he was, an even better human being, many said, than he was a ballplayer. The world is a lesser place without him.
The entire baseball family has suffered a loss; Fernandez had many friends and admirers across the game, and his teammates’ faces and tears at the Marlins news conference Sunday morning told a story we never want to hear. The game is a lesser place without him.
I once again pass along my sincere condolences to Jose’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him, even those of us who only watched him pitch. Here is my scorecard from the Cubs/Marlins game at Wrigley Field August 2, 2016, the only game Fernandez ever pitched at Wrigley, and the only time the Cubs defeated him. The only other game Fernandez threw against the Cubs was a dominating outing June 26, 2016 in Miami in which he struck out 13.
I’m devoting the remainder of this article to tributes from the Cubs and Cubs players and other members of the Cubs family via Twitter to Jose Fernandez.
We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of José Fernández, and to the entire Miami @Marlins organization. pic.twitter.com/KK2Z6nEaVQ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 25, 2016
I tend to stay off of Twitter on start days but I cannot believe the news about Jose Fernandez. The game and the world just lost a great one
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) September 25, 2016
We lost a beautiful guy who conquered the world at a very young age. Just breaks your heart.
— Len Kasper (@LenKasper) September 25, 2016
Shocked & saddened by the loss of @JDFernandez16. An incredible player but even better human being. My condolences to his family & teammates
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) September 25, 2016
Thoughts and prayers for the family of Jose Fernandez. An amazing player gone too soon.
— Spencer Patton (@SBPatton) September 25, 2016
At a loss for words...Rest In Peace Jose Fernandez. praying for your family
— Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler) September 25, 2016
Wow, so speechless right now. My condolences goes out to the Fernandez family and the families of the other victims. Gone way to soon. #RIP
— Albert Almora Jr. (@albertalmora) September 25, 2016
The world has lost an amazing baseball player and an ever better person. #RIPJoseFernandez
— Jorge Soler (@JorgeSoler68) September 25, 2016
My heart goes out to Jose's family and the families of the other victims. May they rest in peace. #QEPD
— Jorge Soler (@JorgeSoler68) September 25, 2016
Devastated to hear the news out of Miami today. Knew Jose, caught first pro bullpen. Infectious passion. Hug your teammates. Life too short.
— John Baker (@manbearwolf) September 25, 2016
Like @ac13alex said: we can honor Jose by playing the game with PASSION, LOVE and JOY. Cherish your opportunity. #RIPJoseFernandez https://t.co/X10fS4imCt
— John Baker (@manbearwolf) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez is one of the most genuine guys I've ever played with. He loved life, he loved baseball.....he will be missed dearly.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) September 25, 2016
Wow I'm still shock and in disbelief RIP Jose Fernandez one the most electrifying pitcher in the game today #RIPJoseFernandez
— Cj Edwards (@CEdwardsSBS) September 25, 2016
Descansa en paz buen amigo... pic.twitter.com/8jqgF22grO
— Aroldis Chapman (@AChapman_105) September 25, 2016
es increible y Muy doloroso https://t.co/zORrLTjcBq
— pedro strop (@pstrop46) September 25, 2016
So sad. Prayers for Jose Fernandez and his family. Such a joy watching him play the game. He will truly be missed.
— Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) September 25, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to the Fernandez family for this tragic loss. Jose was one of the best in the game. You will be missed.
— Miguel Montero (@miggymont26) September 25, 2016
Is so sad to just wake up and watch this horrible and heartbreaking news #RIPJoseFernandez pic.twitter.com/AeBMM6y6Jx
— Willson Contreras (@WContreras40) September 25, 2016
As dominant as #JoseFernandez was in his short life and tragic death, his smile and passion for the game is what I will remember
— Todd Hollandsworth (@hollytime28) September 25, 2016
Devastating news. Prayers for his family, friends, teammates, and all that loved him. https://t.co/xLKHM22KXL
— Brittany Wood (@bwz428) September 25, 2016
I’m going to finish with this tweet. Watch the video within. It captures Jose Fernandez perfectly — his talent, his personality, his passion for baseball. All will be missed.
Arguably my favorite Jose Fernandez moment.
— Nick Hamelin (@NickHamelin) September 25, 2016
"Did you catch that?"
"Yeah, yeah I did" https://t.co/92rEYaYC9M