Marlins Star Credits God for Storybook Home Run
The movies have told us "There's no crying in baseball."
Of course, the movies never could have imagined a script like the one that played out Monday night.
A grieving Miami Marlins team took to the field for the first time since the tragic death of their star pitcher, Jose Fernandez. Each member was clad in a black jersey with Fernandez's name and No. 16 on the back.
In the bottom of the first inning, Marlins leadoff man Dee Gordon paid tribute to his fallen friend by mimicking his batting stance.
And then, on a 2-0 count, Gordon connected on a shot that will go down in baseball lore.
Dee Gordon takes 1st pitch right-handed to honor his late friend. Then hits his 1st home run this year! #RIPJosepic.twitter.com/yoJCVu9X68
— RotoQL (@rotoqlapp) September 26, 2016
The wiry, 160-pound speedster, known more for his singles than his slugging, launched a home run down the right field line into the upper deck.
"I ain't never hit a ball that far, even in {batting practice}" Gordon said, according to USA Today. "I told the boys, 'If you all don't believe in God, you better start.' For that to happen today, we had some help."
Gordon says he "blacked out" as soon as hit the home run - so he doesn't remember what happened next. Those watching certainly did, seeing a grown man cry as he rounded first base.
And he wasn't the only one. Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud said "I was crying, too. I had my head down. When he crossed home plate, tears were coming down his face, and they were coming down mine, too."
By the time he reached second, Gordon's legs began to wobble - and one of the fastest men in baseball felt like it was taking forever to round the bases.
"I was just trying to go back to my teammates as fast as possible, and I couldn't get there. I was just wondering why {Jose} wasn't on the top of the steps cheering for me," he said.
The homer was Gordon's first of the year - and only his ninth in more than 2,100 major league at bats.
Improbable? Yes. But no more improbable than the life of the man Gordon paid tribute to, a former prisoner of the Castro regime who made it to freedom on his fifteenth try.
Gordon added three more hits during the Marlins 7-3 win over the visiting New York Mets - in a game that Jose Fernandez was scheduled to pitch.
Later, Gordon posted a picture of his late friend on his Instagram, saying "I know you up there with Our Lord and savior... I hope you and God catch the biggest fish heaven has to offer. #JDF16FOREVER."
Today, the Marlins will hold a public memorial service for Jose Fernandez. Soon, they will retire his jersey. And yet, the most fitting remembrance may be the one that has already happened - an unforgettable moment as a tribute to an unforgettable player.
