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Tampa Bay mourns the loss of Miami Marlins pitcher, Alonso high grad Jose Fernandez

Posted at 4:54 AM, Sep 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-26 07:03:47-04

Folks across Tampa and the south Florida area are mourning the loss of a baseball star. Miami Marlins pitcher and Bay Area native Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident Sunday.

Fernandez started his baseball career at Alonso High school. He helped the team win a state championship in 2011.

Former teammates say he had a huge heart.

RELATED | Jose Fernandez remembered for strong Cuban, Latino community ties

"He dominated, but he had respect for everybody and respect for the game. But if you tried his dominance, you know, he showed it. That's what I think made him such an exciting player to watch," said former teammate Nathan Hahn.

Jose Fernandez was also known as a major inspiration to people in the Cuban community. Having tried to defect from Cuba three times before finally making it to the United States in 2008.

MORE | Miami Marlins pitcher and Alonso High graduate Jose Fernandez killed in boating accident

"As much as he was a great player, as much as he was a great pitcher, but besides that, he was a great human being. And for that. As a Cuban American I feel very proud," friend Mario Quevedo told ABC Action News.

Another sad note to this story, just six days ago Jose Fernandez posted a picture to Instagram of his pregnant girlfriend. Talking about his excitement about starting a family.

Friends and former teammates are hoping to hold a vigil for Jose Fernandez at Alonso High School sometime this week.

READ MORE | Jose Fernandez: A loss for MLB baseball, a tear in the fabric of Tampa Bay area sports