Marlins honor Jose; MLB honors Marlins

MIAMI — In the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed the life of superstar Jose Fernandez, the Marlins paid tribute to the beloved pitcher throughout an emotional yet uplifting game against the Mets the day after the 24-year-old’s sudden and tragic passing.

On Friday, MLB recognized the Marlins with the Esurance MLB Best Moment Award for their poignant pregame ceremony, courageous play and touching postgame memorial on Sept. 26.

Each Marlins player sported Fernandez’s No. 16 jersey and gathered around the mound to commemorate their friend and teammate prior to first pitch. A recording of a lone trumpet playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” echoed throughout Marlins Park amid silence, as a montage of Fernandez’s life flashed across the videoboard in right field, underlined by his iconic and vibrant smile.

The starting position players flanked the mound during the National Anthem, and starting pitcher Adam Conley remained behind until it was time for the first pitch. After the ceremony, the Mets approached the Marlins, and players from both sides embraced in solidarity.

“You talk about team,” manager Don Mattingly said that unforgettable night. “It’s something we’ve been fighting for, have a team. Today, you see that. We see a team. We talk about, in these situations, being family. To these guys, this is their family, within this locker room. You travel, you play, you go through things. It’s their …

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