Jose Fernandez #16 of the Miami Marlins. (Getty Images/Rob Foldy)
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Lead-off homer marks Miami Marlins' emotional first game after star pitcher's tragic death
September 27, 2016
Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon stepped to the plate wearing Fernández's batting helmet.
Monday night's game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets felt like something out of a Hollywood movie.
It was the first game for the Marlins after losing star pitcher José Fernández in a boating accident over the weekend.
Devastated. #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/knPxEQj7iL
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 25, 2016
Each member of the team was wearing a jersey with Fernández's name and number (16), and before the game started, eight Marlins stood at the pitcher's mound in a "missing man" formation, honoring their teammate who had been slated to pitch that evening.
.@Marlins pay their respects to the amazing José Fernández.
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2016
Full tribute: https://t.co/TxOkTzGBa8 #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/AlHC3dPTPP
In the bottom of the first inning, Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon stepped to the plate wearing Fernández's batting helmet.
Although Gordon would normally stand in the batter's box on the right side of the plate, he took the first pitch from the left side in a tribute to his lost teammate who batted right-handed.
After the first pitch, Gordon put on his own helmet and moved to his usual place at the plate. That's when something special happened.
Gordon hit the third pitch from Bartolo Colon high into the night sky and over the wall in right field for a lead-off home run, giving the Marlins a 1-0 lead.
After rounding the bases with his first home run of the season, Gordon was overcome with emotion.
A 4-for-4 night for @FlashGJr.#JDF16 pic.twitter.com/Bajhwsxniq
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 27, 2016
Watch Dee Gordon's lead-off home run.
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After the game, the entire team ringed the mound, placed their caps in the dirt as the fans in the stands chanted, "Jose, Jose."
Josééé, José, José, José #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/y0RGCMk9i7
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 27, 2016
The Marlins won the game 7-3.
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