With a chance to make playoffs, Mattingly reflects on anniversary of Jose Fernandez’s death
Don Mattingly got a text from wife Lori on Friday with a picture of him and Jose Fernandez. Mattingly admits he’s not the best with remembering dates, but the moment hit him immediately.
Friday, a day that has great implications on the Miami Marlins clinching their first playoff berth since 2003, also marked the four-year anniversary of Fernandez’s death when his 32-foot Sea Vee, Kaught Looking, crashed into a jetty off Government Cut. The accident killed Fernandez, 24, a Cuban-born star pitcher with the Marlins, and his two passengers: Emilio Macias, 27, and Eduardo Rivero, 25. All three had been drinking at American Social, a trendy bar on the Miami River, prior to the crash, a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found.
Mattingly, and the Marlins organization as a whole, still remembers Fernandez to this day.
“I’ve got a bracelet that I’ve worn ever since with his number on it that I never really take off,” Mattingly said Friday afternoon ahead of the Marlins’ series opener with the New York Yankees. “Changed my exercise programs to instead of 15 reps, 16 reps for his number. It is an emotional day. You think back about Jose and what he meant and just what kind of spirit he was.”
Fernandez will be on the Marlins’ minds as they take the field, even more so should things work in Miami’s favor. The Marlins can clinch second place in the National League East — which guarantees a playoff spot with this season’s expanded playoff field — with a win over the Yankees and a Philadelphia Phillies loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Overall, the Marlins (29-28) need a combination of either two wins, one win and one Philadelphia loss or two Philadelphia losses to punch their postseason ticket.
“It would be a great day no matter what,” Mattingly said of the possibility of securing a postseason berth, “but it would obviously be something that would be special.”
Pregame notes
▪ The Marlins are 8-9 overall against the American League East this year, including a 6-3 mark in games played on the road.
▪ The Marlins are 26-0 when leading after the sixth inning. Only the Braves (27-0) have won more games in that fashion without a loss.
