Jose Luis Fernandez

Marlins coach shares 6-year-old son's story about his 'buddy' Jose Fernandez

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:49 p.m. ET

Brett Smiley

In the wake of the tragic death of 24-year-old Miami Marlins ace pitcher Jose Fernandez in a boating accident early Sunday morning, players have rallied together, paid tribute and told stories about their late teammate and friend.

Fans and other admirers have shared memories, too. One such story comes from kindergartener Holden Schneider, the 6-year-old son of Marlins catching coach Brian Schneider. Schneider posted Holden's handwritten story on Instagram and shared it with Marlins players:

"My kids just gravitate to Jose,'' Schneider told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, adding that players' eyes welled up after reading it. "After batting practice on Saturday, I didn't see Holden for a half-hour or 45 minutes. He was out there on the field with Jose. Here's this little boy who doesn't know any different, and everybody knew how much he looked up to Jose."

He will be missed.

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Jose Luis Fernandez

Miami Marlins

Major League Baseball