Marlins’ Dee Gordon Hits Home Run, Cries Rounding Bases In Jose Fernandez Tribute

What a tribute.

The Miami Marlins held an emotional pregame ceremony to honor Jose Fernandez, their 24-year-old ace who died Sunday in a boating accident.

Fernandez’s teammate, left-handed-hitting second baseman Dee Gordon, led off the bottom of the first inning by stepping into the right side of the batter’s box, wearing Fernandez’s helmet, in his honor. He took the first pitch before swapping helmets and returning to his normal left side of the plate.

On the third pitch from New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon, though, Gordon did something he hadn’t all season: He launched a home run. It was Gordon’s first of the season, and he crushed it into the upper deck in right field.

He teared up as he rounded the bases and was  eventually sobbing as his Marlins teammates helped him down the dugout steps.

As if we needed another reminder, this is exactly why we love sports: for unbelievable moments like this. Somewhere, you just know Fernandez jumped out of his seat with joy watching Gordon round the bases.

Thumbnail photo via Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports Images