Fernandez, 21, was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal and crappy year for the Marlins, who finished the season with a 2.19 ERA, 176 ERA+, 0.98 WHIP and 3.22 K/BB in 177 2/3 innings. (In layman's terms: THAT'S PRETTAY BADASS).
And while the humble Fernandez is excited to have so much success so soon into his career, none of that compares to being reunited with his beloved grandmother, which Marlins officials were able to put together -- without his knowledge.
Fernandez defected from Cuba with his mother at age 15. At one point during the harrowing journey, he jumped into the ocean to save someone who had fallen overboard. Turns out, that someone was his own mother.
Like so many Cubans, they left family behind, including Jose's beloved grandmother.
But the Marlins were able to pull strings and bring her to the U.S. and surprise Jose.
Unaware that she was in the same building, the Marlins sat Jose to interview him about his grandmother and what she means to him.
He talks of his love for her, of how he plays in her honor, and he shows off a tattoo with her name. When asked what she might say if she were here now, Jose sullenly replies, "I don't think she would be here."
