Fernandez's focus goes outside the Marlins, into the American dream
MIAMI -- What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
As teammates exit the home clubhouse at Marlins Park for batting practice, Jose Fernandez sits at his locker contemplating the answer before flipping over the flashcard. It reads: Serve on a jury. He places the card in a pile near his glove and moves onto the next question.
Next Wednesday, Fernandez will undergo a naturalization interview in the hopes of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Miami's ace began the 10-step process six months ago during the early stages of his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery when he couldn't throw a baseball -- his lifeline since he was a boy.
"I was playing and that's why I was waiting for the offseason, but then I got hurt and I started doing the process of applying and all that," Fernandez said. "I got my fingerprints in spring training."
The appointment marks step six in becoming a citizen through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Fernandez must pass an English test covering speaking, reading and writing, as well as a civics exam, before taking the Oath of Allegiance and participating in a naturalization ceremony.
His mother, who went through the process a year ago, and his girlfriend help him practice. He usually spends 1 to 2 hours a day going over the 100 questions. When it comes time for the oral test concerning U.S. history and government, he must get at least six of 10 correct.
At 22, Fernandez is nearly five years removed from school, when he attended Tampa's Braulio Alonso High. Names like Thomas Jefferson and events like the Civil War are familiar yet hard to remember. He had yet to master the English language the first time he learned about them.
Fernandez, who tried to defect from Cuba and failed his first three times, successfully did so in 2008 with his mother and sister. His journey -- from being imprisoned to rescuing his mom who fell overboard -- makes this opportunity a cherished one.
"It's really special," Fernandez said. "It's enormous to be an American citizen. You're a part of the country now. It's an honor to be a citizen. I think it's an honor for anybody. I'm lucky enough to at least get a chance to do the test and hopefully become an American citizen. It's really important."
Like others originally from Cuba who settled in Miami, Fernandez doesn't take for granted everyday things in the U.S., such as cars and food, that would be considered luxuries on the island. The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year also wouldn't get to play the game he loves, the one he is working his way back to this summer.
And yet, those still don't compare to the greatest right offered to U.S. citizens, the real reason why Fernandez left home for the American Dream.
"The main one is you get to be free," Fernandez said. "That's the most important thing of all of those. Being free is for sure the best part of being in America."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
