Mets fondly recall Fernandez’s ‘love for the game’

NEW YORK — It was a makeshift memorial, constructed with strips of white tape and posted in anguish. Shortly before the Mets took the field Sunday for their final home game of the 2016 season, Yoenis Cespedes taped a No. 16 Jose Fernandez jersey on their dugout wall. He and others stopped before it to remember, to think, to grieve, to pray.

In the hours following Fernandez’s death in a boating accident early Sunday morning, the Mets focused their energies not on remembering the pitcher they battled and respected so many times over the past four seasons. They instead recalled the young man who treated their clubhouse staff so sweetly during the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. They thought of the man who would walk over to their side of the field during pregame warmups, saying hello to everyone whether he knew them or not. They thought of the man who walked into Terry Collins’ office at this year’s All-Star Game just to thank him for the opportunity to pitch.

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 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 react to tragic passing of FernandezWhite Sox mourn loss of …

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