Hispanic Heritage Month is the month of the year that is dedicated to the celebration of Hispanic culture. From September 15 to October 15, the Hispanic community gets together and rejoices the music, art, history, and food that is found in the community. With the continuous growth of the Hispanic population in America, it is crucial that Hispanic heritage and accomplishments are celebrated.
Somebody who deserves the honor of being celebrated is José Fernández who tragically passed away last Sunday. The Miami Marlins pitcher was only 24 and was just beginning to rise in the Major League Baseball world. This season had been statically the best one of his career. This up rise coming after he had been limited with injures in the 2014 and 2015 season. He had career bests in wins (16) and strikeouts (253). He was able to post these stats with a team that had one the worst offenses in the National League. Simply, José Fernández was set to be the future pitching leader of the Miami Marlins.
The thing that made José Fernández a true icon for the Hispanic community was that he was able to accomplish what he did on the baseball field while overcoming the barriers that many Hispanics have faced in this country. To arrive to this country from Cuba, it took him four tries. On the fourth try, he had to save his mother after she fell overboard into the sea. He was only 15 years old at the time. Once here, he had to endure the battles any young immigrant has to face. Everything from the English language and American culture, José Fernández took on while pursuing his baseball dreams. He dreams became true when he was by the Marlins in 2011.
His life was cut short by his tragic boating accident but his legacy in the Hispanic community will live on. His joyous attitude on and off the field, embracement of the Hispanic community, and success on the baseball diamond will continue to resonate with the world. May José Fernández rest in peace and his family find comfort after this tragedy.
