On September 25, the baseball world mourned as news of the beloved José Fernandez’s death spread.  The vibrant Miami Marlins pitcher was only 24 years old before the tragic boating accident occurred off the coast of South Beach in Miami.

Friends, family and opponents described Fernandez as a joy to be around; his love for the game and the sea seeped out from him, which made his death that much harder. Just one month earlier Fernandez and his girlfriend, Maria Arias, announced their baby on social media. “I’m so glad you came into my life. I’m ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst,” wrote Fernandez, along with an Instagram post of Arias showing off her baby bump.

On September 25, Fernandez and two other men were found dead by the Coast Guard early in the morning after a night on the water.

One of Fernandez’s close friends, Will Bernal, said that Fernandez may have been upset the night of the accident. It is reported that Fernandez asked multiple of his teammates to go for a boat ride, all who declined, until his close friend Eddy Rivero obliged. Bernal, who was also friends with Rivero, warned him to be careful and keep an eye on Fernandez. After Fernandez and Rivero stopped to pick up another friend, Emilio Macias, Bernal once again warned them. “Trust me, it’s not my time yet,” Rivero replied. Little did he know that was the last text he would send.

The death of these three young men not only impacted friends and family, but the entire MLB as well. During their game against the New York Mets on Monday September 26, the entire Marlins team wore the number 16 in honor of their deceased teammate. Though he was not there physically, Fernandez’s presence was felt throughout the diamond.

First up to bat was Fernandez’s close teammate and friend, Dee Gordon. He took the first pitch from the right side of the plate as Fernandez would have. Two pitches later, back on the left side of the plate, Gordon launched his first home run of the season into the seats of the stadium. Gordon proceeded to round the bases in a slow jog, eyes filled with tears. The Marlins went on to win the game 7-2.

It was not just Fernandez’s Miami teammates though. Aledmys Diaz, shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, was also close childhood friends with Fernandez. After spending some time with Fernandez’s family and hanging the number 16 jersey in the dugout, Diaz hit a 4th-inning grand slam in the Cardinals 12-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds.  

Fernandez not only brought talent to the diamond, but he carried himself with such joy and happiness, other players couldn’t help but join in with his laughter. Jose Fernandez, Eddy Rivero and Emilio Macias’ lives were cut short by a tragic accident, but the impacts they had on the world, big or small, will never be forgotten. As a tattoo read on one of Rivero’s arms, “Life is Short. Heaven is Forever.”