Pre-Game Ceremony Honoring David Ortiz Cancelled After Jose Fernandez's Death
BOSTON (CBS) -- A pre-game ceremony recognizing retiring Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has been cancelled--per Ortiz's wishes--after the death of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez.
Fernandez, 24, was killed along with two others in a boating accident Sunday morning in Miami.
Given today's tragedy, we are canceling our pregame ceremony recognizing @RedSox David Ortiz, per his wishes.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 25, 2016
Ortiz asked the Tampa Bay Rays to cancel the ceremony, which would have honored him upon his final appearance at Tropicana Field. He and Fernandez were close friends.
On Sunday morning, Ortiz tweeted, in English and Spanish, "I dont have the words to describe the pain feel for the loss of my friend Jose."
I dont have the words to describe the pain feel for the loss of my friend Jose. Goodbye, my friend. pic.twitter.com/xvaa5z62RW
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) September 25, 2016
The Red Sox, along with several Boston players, tweeted their condolences Sunday.
We're saddened by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 25, 2016
Our hearts go out to Jose's family and the entire @Marlins organization.
Woke up to terrible news! Our baseball community has been hit hard from the loss of Jose. May God bless his family ????????#LongLiveJose
— Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts) September 25, 2016
My heart is with Jose's and the other victims' families, and my cherished Marlins family. My deepest condolences. This is heartbreaking
— Hanley Ramirez ⚾️ (@HanleyRamirez) September 25, 2016
Red Sox pitcher David Price called Fernandez "hands down one of my favorite guys to watch pitch" on Twitter Sunday morning.
wow very sad new this morning...hands down one of my favorite guys to watch pitch! He brought nothing but intensity and passion #ripjose
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) September 25, 2016
The Marlins cancelled their Sunday game against the Atlanta Braves.
In a statement, the team said, "The Miami Marlins organization is devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."