Miami Marlins Jose Fernandez High School Jersey Stolen
By David Hill
As if the situation surrounding Jose Fernandez‘ untimely death was not tragic enough, the late Miami Marlins high school jersey was stolen after a vigil in his honor.
People mourn in their own way. In the throws of grief, people can do things they would never normally do, committing acts that are far beyond their normal behavior. Even if the person they are mourning is someone they never met, like Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, those feelings of loss and grief can be quite strong indeed.
Maybe that sense of loss, and a desire to have a reminder of Fernandez’ prowess on the mound is what drove someone to steal his high school jersey. After a vigil at Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa, Florida, his old high school, held a candlelit vigil in his honor Wednesday night. On display were one of the two jerseys the school had, but afterwards, it was gone.
Maybe it can be understandable in the context of a grief stricken fan taking their desire to remember Fernandez too far. Or, maybe it is someone looking to cash in on a tragedy, hoping to somehow sell the jersey for a pretty penny. Either way, it is quite the despicable act.
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This is certainly not the story one would want as fans mourn Fernandez. He was known for his love of life and the game of baseball, generous with his time with the fans and always with a smile on his face. Fernandez was beloved by his teammates, and was a symbol of hope for Marlins fans everywhere.
Fernandez was also a part of the American Dream. He risked his life to come to America, finally succeeding on his fourth attempt, and saving his mother from drowning in the process. Fernandez went on to be drafted by his home town team, blossoming into a star before their very eyes. He had a connection with the region that cannot be understated.
Hopefully, whoever took Fernandez’ high school jersey will come to their senses. While his former high school does have another of his jerseys safely stored away, that does not make up for the theft of this jersey. What was supposed to be a time where fans came together to mourn a star taken before his time turned into a crime sense.
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This is not how Jose Fernandez would have wanted to be remembered. Regardless of whether or not the perpetrator was a fan of his and/or the Miami Marlins, that act is inexcusable.