By Zach Goblisch, Aviator Features Editor

News broke Sunday morning that Miami Marlins starting pitcher José Fernández passed away during a boating accident that occurred around 2 a.m.

Media platforms of all levels took time to remember and reflect on the short, 24-year life and career of Fernández. His four-year career consisted of two All-Star game appearances and a National League Rookie of the Year award in 2013.

Fernández was a refugee of Cuba living in America, who, according to an article by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, had wanted to play baseball since he was eight. However, being born in the Communist country of Cuba, his dreams remained dreams for a majority of his life.

The former Marlins pitcher even found himself in jail at age 14, this after three other attempts to escape the country failed. Years later the Fernández family made it to Florida to begin their lives in a free nation, and this is where the young pitcher began to pursue the career that earned him the name he has today.

Analysts look at his Earned Run Average (ERA) and strikeouts, but the story behind the face makes Fernández the hometown hero that everyone in Miami could get behind. His passion and heart for the game cannot be matched by any player in the majors. Some baseball analysts are saying an award should be made in his name for players who show his type of passion and love for the game.

His impact off the mound was just as great if not greater than what it was on the field. His bright and positive personality kept the dugout of the Miami Marlins very relaxed and light-hearted throughout the entire game. An infectious attitude in the dugout can work wonders on the overall performance of a team, and Fernández had what it takes to do just that for the Marlins.

I believe that Fernández´s story is an inspiration for many young baseball fanatics striving to make it to the big leagues. Having to emigrate from Cuba, find life in America, and develop into a baseball player capable of making such an impact in the majors is something that can be respected at all levels by all athletes.

The story of Fernández truly displays to our community how lucky and blessed we are. The simple idea of having the right to go out and pursue making it to Major League Baseball is something that many baseball enthusiasts in Cuba and some other countries do not have the right to do. The simple things we take for granted every day are frowned upon or even illegal in nations across the world.

It is a shame to see an up-and-coming star lose his life at such a young point in his career. The only thing sports enthusiasts can do now is mourn the tragic loss, and think: How good could he have been?