The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing

This piece will not be about Brock Lesnar, so my apologies to him. No, “The Next Big Thing” goes by the name of Jose Fernandez. At 21 years old, Fernandez is having a fantastic season for the Marlins, topping it off with an appearance at this year’s All-Star Game. With a fastball that tops out at nearly 100mph and a slider/sweeping curve that drops the hammer on hitters, Fernandez is a bright spot on a roster filled with young up and coming talent. Fernandez has come a long way and been through more in his first 21 years than most of us would go through in a lifetime. His story begins in Cuba, in search of the American Dream (no not Dusty Rhodes).

Born in Cuba on July 31^st, 1992, (you know you’re getting old when you’re writing about baseball players born in the 90’s) Fernandez always loved the game of baseball and one day hoped to play in the Major Leagues. In order for that dream to become a reality he first had to defect from Cuba, which is certainly no easy task. Fernandez attempted his escape three times, getting caught each time, and being thrown in prison. While in prison he was housed in cells with murderers and hardcore criminals, something he attributes his lack of nervousness and tension to on the baseball field. When you’re living that hell at such a young age there really shouldn’t be much that fazes you or affects you. Fernandez made a fourth attempt at defection with both his mother and sister in 2008, in which they were successful, but not without any hardships, as had come to be expected. The boat that the family was in hit turbulent waters and Fernandez’s mother fell overboard. Jose had to jump into the water and rescue his mother, one more instance of life making baseball seem so meaningless and effortless.

Fernandez quickly ascended to the majors, having pitched no higher than Single A, and his dream was a reality. Before reaching the majors though, Fernandez pitched for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, where he made a connection with a special fan and a friendship was born.  

Zeb Vance is a 25 year old with special needs and a Greensboro resident. Every Marlins player that passes through Greensboro knows Zeb and his family because they regularly attend games. Players would always stop and say hello and high five Zeb, but for Fernandez it was different. He invited Vance to walk to the mound with him before a start in Greensboro and remained in contact with him and his family since. Last night, before facing the red hot Cleveland Indians, Zeb once again walked out to the mound with Jose, telling him to play good, to which Fernandez said he would win for him. Fernandez only went on to throw 8 scoreless innings and strike out 14 batters, becoming only the second Marlins rookie to have back to back double digit strikeout games, striking out 13 Pirates in his previous start.

Fernandez is having a rookie season for the ages, giving Marlins fans something to cheer about and making every 5^th day appointment television. His 8-5 record is not overly impressive but that is more indicative of the Marlins offensive woes, but his 2.54 ERA is very impressive. Since the All-Star break, Fernandez has 35 strikeouts in 23 innings of work while only surrendering 3 walks. If his rookie season is any indication of how his career will go then we as fans are in for a treat.

His personality is loud and infectious, making sure he is high fiving all teammates and going crazy when good things happen, as seen here (Jose Fernandez is very excited). He loves the game of baseball and being part of a team, especially considering he never knew whether he would actually get the chance. At 21 years old the love he shows for the game and his antics are to be understood and appreciated as a kid living in the moment, but at the same time, the emotional maturity he shows when it comes to prison sentences, rescues, and connecting with people who have special needs make this kid someone to cheer for. No matter what team you cheer for and follow, I recommend buying a ticket for the Jose Fernandez bandwagon and enjoying the ride because it will be one to remember.