News and links: Marlins honor Jose Fernandez

The Marlins played last night, and before the game there was an extended, amazing ceremony. If you weren’t watching, it’s worth your time.

Good job by the trumpeter. I didn’t know “Take Me out to the Ball Game” could be so bittersweet.

Good job by the Carrollton choir.

Kind of ridiculous all the way through.

Then when the game started, Dee Gordon continued the tribute.

Gordon led off by taking a pitch from the right side of the batter’s box (Jose Fernandez hit from the right) while wearing Fernandez’s helmet, before switching back to his normal left-handed side. He hit the next pitch out of the park.

That’s the only home run Dee Gordon has hit this year.

Then, at the end of the night, after the win, the Marlins left their hats on the mound.

Don Mattingly spoke after the game, video from the Sun Sentinal.

I’m sure there are many worthwhile Jose Fernandez tributes out there. Please drop links.

Other Stuff

From Marc Topkin’s notes, at Alexei Ramirez’s suggestion, the Rays hung a Fernandez jersey in their dugout before going out and losing to James Shields.

Nearly there, guys.