Jose Fernandez
Jose Fernandez: A Baseball Phenom's Life and Legacy
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Jose De Jesus Fernandez Trujillo was commonly known as "The Ace" or simply "Joe."
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 7, 1991, in Santa Clara, Cuba; tragically passed away on September 25, 2016.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Cuban-American baseball player who pitched for the Miami Marlins from 2013 until his untimely death in 2016.
#### Early Life and Background
Jose Fernandez was born to Cuban immigrants who had fled their homeland seeking a better life. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, he learned to play baseball at a young age, developing a passion that would eventually take him to the top of the professional baseball world. His family's struggles and sacrifices instilled in him a strong work ethic, which served as the foundation for his future success.
#### Major Accomplishments
Jose Fernandez's impressive career was marked by numerous accolades:
NL Rookie of the Year (2013): Fernandez earned this prestigious award after posting an impressive 12-6 record and a 2.19 ERA in his first season.
NL All-Star (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016): He was selected to the National League All-Star team four times, cementing his status as one of the league's top pitchers.
Silver Slugger Award (2016): Fernandez won this award for his impressive bat-to-ball skills, hitting a career-high .306 with 10 home runs.
#### Notable Works or Actions
While Jose Fernandez's on-field accomplishments are certainly notable, it was his kindness and generosity that left an even greater impact on those around him. He was known for:
Mentoring young players: Fernandez frequently visited local schools and baseball camps to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation of ballplayers.
Supporting charitable causes: He often participated in charity events, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for important social issues.
#### Impact and Legacy
Jose Fernandez's life was cut tragically short, but his legacy endures through:
Inspiring others: His courageous spirit and dedication to his craft continue to motivate aspiring athletes worldwide.
* Raising awareness about social issues: Through his charitable work, Fernandez brought attention to pressing concerns like cancer research, education, and poverty relief.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jose Fernandez's remarkable story is often referenced in discussions about perseverance, determination, and the importance of giving back to one's community. His quotes are frequently shared on social media, serving as a reminder of his enduring impact:
> "I just try to enjoy every moment because you never know what can happen tomorrow." - Jose Fernandez
Quotes by Jose Fernandez
Jose Fernandez's insights on:
The difference between tonight and Pittsburgh was the last five minutes. We made plays, and we got some stops.
Before the game, we told our kids our backs were against the wall. This was the most important game of the year. If we wanted to go to the NCAA Tournament, we needed to win. And the kids responded. They have an excellent opportunity ahead of them.
Before the game, we told them our backs are against the wall. Tonight was a must win. If we wanted to go to the NCAA Tournament, we needed to win tonight, and I think they responded.
I just didn't think we could match up with their depth and athleticism. We're missing two starters from our lineup. We only played six kids, really, for most of the game. They played 11.
The kids turned on the TV over the weekend and they're watching Connecticut against Tennessee and they're watching Michigan State and Rutgers. That's where we want to be.
They just got to be careful in anything they do, because we, as Hispanics, consider them to be our heroes and our baseball stars. You just can't promote a product that will benefit a company without analyzing or having any criteria of the product. Because whatever you are promoting, people are going to take because of who you are. Again, not necessarily for the product, but because of you. That is why all these companies spend millions of dollars -- because they know how effective it is using stars to promote products.