Diaz mourns death of childhood friend Fernandez

CHICAGO — They grew up just doors apart in the Cuban neighborhood of Santa Clara, where, there on Eighth Street or at the sandlot field two miles away, Aledmys Diaz and Jose Fernandez cultivated their love of baseball. The boys were childhood buddies, both taught the game by Diaz’s father, Rigoberto, and uncle, Nelson, long before they defected with Major League dreams or shared a clubhouse as National League All-Stars.

On Sunday, Diaz awoke to the jarring news that they’d never play this game together again. Fernandez was killed in a tragic Miami boating accident that also took the lives of two others. He was 24.

While so many mourned the loss of a vibrant Cuban pitcher whose infectious personality touched the lives of so many, Diaz did so with a heavier heart than most.

Jose Fernandez: 1992-2016 Beloved star Fernandez dies in tragic accident Fernandez’s life a tale of the American Dream United Marlins mourn loss of Fernandez Fans pay tribute to Fernandez at Marlins Park Former Marlins GM Jennings: Jose ‘a throwback’ Baseball community mourns Fernandez together Fernandez fondly recalled by fellow Cubans Taken far too young, Fernandez not alone MLB statement mourning passing of Jose Fernandez Marlins statement on Jose Fernandez Loria statement on passing of Fernandez Fernandez’s career stats Marlins president Samson on tragedy More Fernandez remembrances and highlights More coverage ¬Marlins’ playoff picture meaningless at momentPuig tearfully recalls his friend FernandezLupica: Our hearts break: RIP Jose FernandezFernandez’s death hits McCullers hardOrtiz cancels ceremony; honors friend FernandezBraves mourn Fernandez at Marlins ParkPirates mourn loss of ‘wonderful’ FernandezCishek, Mariners reflect on life of FernandezMets mourn Fernandez’s ‘love for the game’Fernandez’s death resonates with SciosciaNeal, Alonso mourn their friend FernandezNats, Fernandez’s final opponent, remember aceD-backs remember ace for charisma, devotion to gameIglesias, Tigers mourn Fernandez’s passingPadres’ players remember Fernandez’s joyBrewers’ lineup honors Fernandez vs. RedsDyson remembers former teammate FernandezGiants saddened by Fernandez’s passingReds mourn loss of FernandezPhils’ Herrera remembers Fernandez’s humility, passionRockies recall Fernandez’s smile, joy for gameIndians …

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