JDF16

Every day in this country and around the world, people lose their lives. In many cases it is something out of each person's control, and unavoidable in our lives. But with that said there is something that much more tragic about young life being ripped away. Unfortunately, that is what happened this past weekend. Obviously I was not born when Len Bias tragically overdosed after being selected as the 2nd Overall Pick in the 1986, but I have to imagine that the feeling across the sports culture landscape was similar to yesterday morning. Like many people I awoke to the news that Jose Fernandez, pitcher for the Miami Marlins, tragically passed away in a boating accident late Saturday night. He, along with two fellow passengers, were found during a routine patrol by the US Coast Guard. 

There are some many different angles which reinforce how devastating this story is, the least of which was Jose's ability as a baseball player. Jose was on the fast track to Hall of Fame status with his eyes set on a massive contract that would have probably totaled in excess of $200 Million, but like I said baseball in this case does not begin to address the full extent of this tragedy. Jose Fernandez was living the American Dream. A Dream that people around the globe aspire to achieve every single day. Fernandez unsuccessfully attempted to flee Cuba and come to the United States three times. After unsuccessful attempts, Jose found himself in Cuban prison as a teenager where he was surrounded by perpetrators of far more serious crimes.  Even through all of these experiences, Jose sacrificed it all again and on his fourth attempt was on his way to arriving in the United States. As he began to embark on his journey to the United States, someone on the boat yelled "Man Overboard!". Little did Jose know, his mother had fallen into the water where 8-foot waves crashed against their boat. Against all odds Jose dove into the water, saved his mother, and then made it to the United States to begin living his American Dream.

Even after getting to the United States, Jose still faced numerous difficulties. Trying to learn English, his teacher would not let him use the restroom without asking in English. As Jose anguished and pleaded constantly to his teacher just repeating "Baño, Baño", his teacher refused to give in. Later he told ESPN's Buster Olney he learned English with the help of watching him every night on "Baseball Tonight" - a similar way I've learned Spanish by watching and listening to soccer commentary. Jose then preserved, eventually earning his United States Citizenship. His love and passion had no bounds, evidenced not only by how he played and enjoyed the game, but how he conducted himself during the MLB's Fort Bragg Game earlier this year. Fernandez soaked up every minute as he enthusiastically interacted with the military servicemen and women, including having every member of the Marlins sign a flag for a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. 

Maybe the most devastating fact of it all is that Jose and his girlfriend were expecting a child. Fernandez recently posting a picture of his girlfriend with the caption, "I'm so glad you came into my life. I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst". 

Jose was much more than just a baseball player. Jose was the manifestation of the American Dream. An immigrant from an oppressed nation who came to this country in hopes of achieving his dream and providing for his family. As I said earlier any life that is lost is tragic, but when said life had such a bright future and so much to live for, it begs the question why did it have to be him? Jose Fernandez will never play another game of Major League Baseball, but the man that he was on - but mainly off- of the diamond will continue to live on for the rest of time. Rest in Peace Jose Fernandez, you will be missed. 

Courtesy: Major League Baseball