Today’s column was supposed to focus on how Alabama players fared against Kent State yesterday. Instead, I woke up to the terrible news about Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. It’s tough to focus on football or any sport when a young man is taken from us all too soon. Fernandez was a personal favorite of mine based off the way he played the game of baseball but from everyone else’s stories, he was so much more. He had a bright future in baseball and could have been one of the greatest players ever. He is right at the top of the conversation for the 2016 NL Cy Young Award. He was always smiling while playing the game he loved.
My fav pic of Jose Fernandez. After hitting his first career HR he flipped his bat and admired his shot. The Braves tried to fight him. pic.twitter.com/z1DRDHXn8s
— Shad (@shadalaiyan) September 25, 2016
Many of you may not be baseball fans but I still encourage to take the time to spend with the ones you love. Jose leaves behind a mother that he saved from drowning on a boat ride from Cuba to Mexico during his fourth attempt at defection. He leaves behind coaches and teammates that have always said he is the best teammate to be around. Take a look at his former coach and now ESPN analyst give his thoughts on Jose. Watch it to the very end because it is all worth it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7tgPP_2sQc
If you are a baseball fan, you probably know how special Jose was. His abilities on the mound were always fun to watch. Any time I saw his name on the lineup for the Marlins, I knew I was going to be watching that game. Spend time today watching replays of his best games. My favorite moment of his will always make me smile. It’s just a simple GIF but it shows his talent and love for the game.
No, this has nothing to do with Alabama football but I could not write about anyone else today. If you came here for my grades, you can still find them below but I hope you’ve taken just a little bit of time to appreciate the all-too-short career of Jose Fernandez. Rest in peace, 16. The game won’t be the same without you.
Caleb Turrentine is a columnist and contributor at Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He also does work for Alabama’s team page at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @CalebTurrentine.
Jalen Hurts: B+
Joshua Jacobs: A
O.J. Howard: A
Xavian Marks: B+
Minkah Fitzpatrick: A-
Reuben Foster: A-
Keith Holcombe: A
Adam Griffith: A
