Marlin's magical home run a heart-breaking tribute to Jose Fernandez
Dee Gordon offers a fitting tribute to late friend
Moments after the Miami Marlins' emotional pregame tribute to Jose Fernandez, Dee Gordon honoured his memory in the best way possible — with a home run.
I can't help but think that Dee Gordon hit a home run that will be floating through the Miami sky forever
—@jaysonstIn what was an emotional moment for everyone in the park, Gordon, normally a left-handed hitter, chose to take the first pitch he saw hitting right-handed, in honour of his friend. He also wore Fernandez's batting helmet and like all the players on the Marlins, the late pitcher's No. 16 on his back.
After he switched back, he hit the third pitch from Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon over the right-field wall.
Dee Gordon lead-off home run. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AintEvenMad?src=hash">#AintEvenMad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggerThanBaseball?src=hash">#BiggerThanBaseball</a> 1-0 Miami.
—@MetsJosé watching <a href="https://twitter.com/FlashGJr">@FlashGJr</a>’s homer from above. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JDF16?src=hash">#JDF16</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZUmNA4CmHH">pic.twitter.com/ZUmNA4CmHH</a>
—@MLBGIFsGordon was embraced by his teammates when he made it back to home base and retreated to the dugout in tears.
That Dee Gordon HR has to be coolest sports moment I have seen in a long time.
—@travisyostThe Marlins took the first of the three-game series against the Mets 7-3.