Certainly if you’re a baseball fan – you remember where you were when you heard the news that Jose Fernandez had died. I woke up on a Sunday morning ready to watch some football when I got the texts. Simply, complete and udder shock and failure to make sense of it. It’s hard to believe he’s been gone three years, and it’s a tease as a huge baseball fan to think about what he would have become in baseball.
Still, the moment we throw it back to is not about the tragedy; but you sure as heck better have your tissues ready.
Indeed, that moment is when little Dee Strange Gordon led off the first game following the death of his teammate. Was this the best moment in Marlins Park history? Certainly, most would say. Moreover, was this the best moment in Miami Marlins history?
While we leave that debate to you, let’s take a look at Gordon do sports in a way we love sports. Remember, just before this moment he actually jumped in the box right-handed with Fernandez’s helmet on and took a pitch. Then, he smacked one DEEP to right field. And I began to get goosebumps along with the rest of you.
3 years ago today, @FlashGJr hit one of the most emotional home runs in @MLB history. pic.twitter.com/KpZuoVlYc9
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 26, 2019
I remember seeing a really cool tweet that picked up a Gordon quote that night. Let me see if I can find it. Of course I can find it. Here it is:
"If y'all don't believe in God, y'all might as well start. I never hit a ball that far, even in BP." -Dee Gordon
— Casey Fisk (@FiskPT) September 27, 2016
Furthermore, Gordon had homered zero times all season long. Therefore it was a little odd to see him leave the yard to lead off a game.
Here’s what Gordon said following the 7-3 win on that September 26th, 2016 day:
“If y’all don’t believe in God, y’all might as well start. I never hit a ball that far, even in BP.”
Deep, right?
This was one of those huge moments you remember forever as a baseball fan or sports fan. It was bigger then the game.
