Maritza Gómez, the mother of former Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, who tragically passed away in a boating accident in 2016, shared heartfelt messages on social media on September 25th, marking the eighth anniversary of his untimely death.
In several Facebook posts, Gómez conveyed the enduring pain of losing her son: “I don’t have many words when it comes to losing a child.” She added that the memories of her son are the "most beautiful legacy" he left in their hearts. Despite the passage of time, she emphasized that love and memories persist, and although physically apart, she feels they remain connected by an eternal mother-son bond.
Her posts were accompanied by photos and videos of the star pitcher, who at the time of his death was regarded as one of the best in Major League Baseball despite his youth.
The Legacy of a Baseball Prodigy
José Fernández, born in Santa Clara, Cuba, on July 31, 1992, tragically lost his life on September 25, 2016, at just 24 years old in a boating accident in Miami Beach, Florida. Known affectionately as “El Niño,” he perished alongside his friends Emilio Macías and Eduardo Rivero. Authorities reported that Fernández was operating the boat under the influence of alcohol or other substances at the time of the accident.
At the time of his passing, his wife María Arias was pregnant with their daughter Penélope, who was born without ever meeting her father.
A Meteoric Rise in Baseball
Despite his brief career in Major League Baseball, José Fernández left an indelible mark on the sport. Over his four seasons with the Marlins, he amassed a record of 38 wins and 17 losses, with an impressive 2.58 ERA and 589 strikeouts in 471 1/3 innings. These achievements earned him two All-Star appearances, cementing his status as one of the sport's most promising talents.
Eight years after his passing, his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the fans who admired his rapid rise in professional baseball.