Written by Julia Jacobo at ABCNews.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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