Yes, Jose Fernandez knows that Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game counts now. But for him, winning the Midsummer Classic isn’t as important as trying to send one of his idols out in style.
The Miami Marlins pitcher, who will make his second All-Star appearance for the National League on Tuesday night in San Diego, was asked about the prospect of facing David Ortiz in the Boston Red Sox slugger’s 10th and final All-Star Game. Fernandez responded with an interesting answer.
“I would love to face David,” Fernandez told ESPN.com on Monday. “It would be a dream come true for me.
“I told him (Sunday) that I am going to throw him three fastballs down the middle. I want to watch him hit a home run.”
Pitchers conspiring to make things easier for opposing hitters they respect happens more than you think, but most aren’t so vocal about admitting it. Fernandez was very clear about his intentions, though, even saying he’ll take a good amount off his high-90s fastball to give Ortiz the best chance to take him deep.
“No — 90 miles per hour,” Fernandez said. “So there is no chance that he fouls them or misses them.”
Ortiz is starting at designated hitter for the American League and likely will play only the first few innings, so Fernandez will need to enter the game early if he wants to pitch to Big Papi. But if the two end up facing each other, some fireworks could be in order.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
