Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Several teams around Major League Baseball remembered star right-hander Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins on Sunday by hanging a mockup of his jersey in their dugouts. Fernandez's own team is taking it a step further for Miami's game against the Mets at Marlins Park tonight, when Fernandez was supposed to pitch next.The Marlins announced that all of their players will wear uniform No. 16 in order to honor Fernandez, who was killed Saturday night in a boating accident. Fernandez, who was just 24, died along with friends Emilio Macias and Eddy Rivero when their speeding vessel ran aground on rocks off the coast of South Beach. Officials say they have seen no preliminary signs of drugs or alcohol contributing to the wreck.After learning of the news, the Marlins canceled their game against the Braves on Sunday, but will return to the field against New York with left-hander Adam Conley on the mound. Fernandez originally was scheduled to pitch Sunday but had his start moved to Monday in order to accommodate Conley's return from the disabled list.On Sunday, the club assembled at the ballpark to grieve and to have a news conference, at which they all wore black jerseys. It produced heartbreaking scenes like this, with teammate Dee Gordon mourning on the field:
And manager Don Mattingly trying not to cry:The sight of the Marlins all wearing No. 16 will recall Jackie Robinson Day, when all major leaguers wear No. 42 in celebration of Robinson's breaking the modern color barrier. Hopefully, the tribute to Fernandez will also strike celebratory notes of joy, the emotion he so often exuded playing baseball, but it's certain to be a somber occasion that marks his shocking passing.Two times an All-Star, in 2013 and this season, Fernandez remains a leading contender for the NL Cy Young Award.Update: The Marlins will make Fernandez's the first retired number in franchise history.
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Jeffrey Loria: no one will wear #16 for the Marlins again.
— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) September 26, 2016