Jose Fernandez

Date of Birth: 7/31/1992
Birthplace: Santa Clara, Cuba

Jose Fernandez, starting pitcher, defected from Cuba in 2008 at the age of 16. Three years later, he was drafted by the Miami Marlins. He played in the Marlins' minor league system in 2011 and 2012. During that time, he had a 14-2 record with 165 strikeouts to 39 walks in 138.1 innings in 27 games.

Fernandez had a strong first season in the major leagues in 2013. He won the National League Rookie of the Year award for having a 2.19 ERA and a 12-6 record with 187 strikeouts to 58 walks in 172.2 innings in 28 games.

After eight games with the Marlins in 2014, Fernandez had Tommy John surgery. In those eight games, he had a 2.44 ERA.

Fernandez started the 2015 season on the DL, still recovering from his Tommy John surgery. He returned to the Marlins in July. He finished the season with a 6-1 record, 79 strikeouts to 14 walks, and a 2.92 ERA in 64.2 innings in 11 games.

Fernandez died in a boating accident on September 24, 2016.

Career pitching statistics for Fernandez through 2015 include:

• 47 games played
• 289.0 innings pitched
• 22-9 win-loss record
• 336 strikeouts to 85 walks
• 2.40 ERA

Personal Life

Fernandez became a U.S. citizen on April 24, 2015.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Jose Fernandez
ESPN - Jose Fernandez
Baseball Reference - Jose Fernandez