Marlins Pay Tribute to Jose Fernandez by Wearing No. 16 Jersey

Tonight's game is the first since Fernandez's death early Sunday.

ByABC News
September 26, 2016, 7:19 PM

— -- The Miami Marlins today paid tribute to star pitcher Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident early Sunday, by wearing No. 16 jerseys in the first game since his death, ESPN reported.

A moment of silence was held at Marlins Park, where the Miami players on the field stood surrounding the pitcher's mound, which had the number 16 printed on it.

Some Marlins embraced their teammates in tears as "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was played on the trumpet during the moment of silence. The entire Marlins lineup then rubbed the dirt from the mound and rubbed it on the side of their pants, a tactic Fernandez would use to keep his hands dry, according to the Fox Sports commentator calling the game.

Tokens are seen at a makeshift memorial made by fans mourning the death due to a boating accident of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, outside Marlins Park prior to a game against the New York Mets in Miami, Florida, Sept. 26, 2016.
Andrew Innerarity/Reuters

It was an emotional Monday night at Marlins Park, where Miami players are still in shock and mourning over the death of their 24-year-old teammate. Marlins infielder Dee Gordon couldn't hold back tears as he met his teammates in the dugout after hitting a leadoff homerun.

Gordon wore a T-shirt with the letters "RIP" and an image of Fernandez standing at the pitcher's mound under his uniform during the game against the Mets.

Fans ventured to Marlins Park to leave items in a makeshift memorial for Fernandez.

A memorial is shown at a gate of Marlins Park for Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, Sept.25, 2016, in Miami, Florida.
Joe Skipper/Getty Images

The Mets paid tribute to Fernandez in their own way Sunday, by hanging a Mets jersey with his last name over their dugout at Citi Field in Queens, New York.

Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the New York Mets and Josh Smoker #58 of the New York Mets hang a jersey for Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins in their dugout prior to taking on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field, Sept. 25, 2016, in New York City.
Adam Hunger/Getty Images

Fernandez died in a boating accident along with two others -- 27-year-old Emilio Macias and 25-year-old Eduardo Rivero -- from trauma, ESPN reported, citing Lorenzo Veloz, spokesman for the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation. Speeding is suspected to be a factor, Veloz said. The investigation is ongoing.

The Marlins canceled Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves after the news of Fernandez's death.

Pitcher Jose Fernandez #16 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Aug. 29, 2016, in New York City.
Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Related Topics