With heavy hearts, Marlins pay tribute to Jose Fernandez prior to Monday's game
The Marlins paid tribute to their ace Monday, one day after he was killed in a boating accident
Tragedy struck the baseball world on Sunday, as Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and two other young men were killed in a boating accident in Florida. Fernandez was only 24.
The Marlins canceled Sunday's game, but they did return to work Monday, and will do so while all wearing Fernandez's No. 16. That number will be taken out of circulation following Monday's game. No Marlins player will ever wear it again. No. 16 is the first retired number in franchise history (outside of Jackie Robinson's 42, of course).
Prior to Monday's game with the Mets, the Marlins mourned Fernandez with an on-field ceremony. They mourned him as much as they celebrated his life. Fernandez always had a smile on his face and was one of the most exciting and exuberant players in the game.
Here are some of the sights and sounds from Marlins Park on Monday, including the ceremony for Fernandez.


#Marlins spouses paying their respects to José. #FishFamily | #JDF16pic.twitter.com/rS6AEcAzCW
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 26, 2016
Inside the ballpark, the Marlins honored Fernandez by placing his glove and hat on the pitching mound during warmups. Here are some photos of the ballpark before the ceremony.



#JDF16pic.twitter.com/8yf967LQ2b
— Christina De Nicola (@CDeNicola13) September 26, 2016
— Mike Axisa (@mikeaxisa) September 26, 2016
Dee Gordon pic.twitter.com/R183jYqrUP
— Igor Mello (@SuperIgor) September 26, 2016
The Marlins wore more than Fernandez's No. 16 on Monday. They also wore his nameplate on their uniforms as well. The entire team wore "FERNANDEZ" 16 jerseys. Here are some photos from inside the clubhouse.
Tonight this one's for you buddy. Watch over us #JDF16pic.twitter.com/GvyEzRwZTF
— Christian Yelich (@ChristianYelich) September 26, 2016
#9number16's#Joseday pic.twitter.com/iijO1K7MWM
— Jeff Mathis (@JMathSix) September 26, 2016
That's Adam Conley and Dee Gordon. Miami players are also wearing "Fernandez" jersey nameplates pic.twitter.com/6M5D45Iu2Z
— Igor Mello (@SuperIgor) September 26, 2016
The pregame ceremony featured a marching band and a choir. Afterwards, the Mets and Marlins got together in the middle of the field and exchanged hugs. Here's the video of the ceremony as well as some select photos.






After the ceremony, Marlins players gathered at the mound and drew a No. 16 for Fernandez.

It was a very touching -- and very emotional -- ceremony Monday night.
















