Marlins' Jose Fernandez officially sworn in as a U.S. citizen
MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez has won National League Rookie of the Year. He can throw 100 mph. Baseball fans around the world recognize his trademark smile on the mound.
But on Friday morning at the USCIS Kendall Field Office, he was just one of 141 South Florida residents -- from 22 countries ranging from Syria to Cuba -- celebrating naturalization as U.S. citizens.
"It means a lot," Fernandez said afterward. "It means respect, it means love, it means freedom and it means one of the reasons I came to this country -- for freedom. Honestly, being an American citizen is amazing. That's a lot of respect. A lot of people have died to defend this country to have it the way it is. It's an honor that I can be a citizen."
The Miami Marlins ace, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, also gave a brief keynote speech in which he admitted nerves about the occasion.
That's because becoming a citizen quickly evolved into one of Fernandez's top goals -- besides returning to the diamond -- in 2015. Of his various accomplishments, which includes being a member of the 2013 National League All-Star team, this ranked either first or second.
"I was nervous, I was really nervous," Fernandez said. "It's weird because when I pitch I don't get nervous. Right there my hands were sweating, I was shaking a little bit, but it touches your heart. And when you really appreciate it I think that's when you really are part of it."
Fernandez began the process nearly seven months ago. During the last homestand, he brought flashcards to the clubhouse before games to study for the civics portion of the exam. He passed the test on April 15.
His mother, who was in attendance on Friday, became a citizen a year ago. Several Marlins employees and his girlfriend also supported him as he stood on stage holding an American flag.
When the ceremony started, a video detailing America's promise as a land of opportunity united everyone in the room. Fernandez, 22, made note of that in his speech. He tried defecting from Cuba several times before succeeding in 2008 and winding up in Tampa. He never could've imagined how his life would change -- from owning two cars to playing the game he loves for a living.
He along with the other new citizens joined together in singing along to "God Bless the USA" while waving flags. They also recited the Pledge of Allegiance. They officially became citizens by taking the Oath of Allegiance.
"It was great," Fernandez said of the crowd. "They were laughing and smiling and it was great. You could really see the joy, even the little kids moving and dancing when they were singing the song. It touches you and gets to you because this country is the best country in the world, and it's made up of immigrants."
When the National Anthem played, Fernandez smiled and mouthed "I hear this every day." But Friday marked no ordinary day at the ballpark.
"It obviously did take a little special meaning," Fernandez said. "It's crazy every time I hear it. By the end part they talk about freedom (and) I look up, close my eyes and thank God that I made it and that I'm here and that I'm free. That's the most important thing."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
