Somber Rays reflect on Fernandez tragedy

ST. PETERSBURG — Jose Fernandez was in the thoughts of those inside the Rays’ clubhouse prior to the team’s home finale against the Red Sox Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

Early Sunday morning, the dynamic Marlins right-hander died at the age of 24 in a boating accident in Miami. In respect for the Marlins star, the Rays and David Ortiz agreed to cancel the pregame ceremony to honor the retiring Ortiz. Prior to the game, a moment of silence was observed for Fernandez, who was born in Cuba and defected with his family to the United States at the age of 15. He led Tampa’s Alonso High School to two 6A state championships.

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“It is a tough day,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Baseball lost one of its brightest stars and probably brightest personalities. It’s going to affect the Tampa Bay community and also the Miami community, just …

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