The beauty of the game of APBA is that despite most real life conditions or events, we can rewrite history. A rainout? Doesn’t matter, we can still play. A strike or lockout? We can still play a full season.
But some things still hit home pretty hard. Jose Fernandez’ death over the weekend really seemed to rock the Marlins clubhouse. Skipper Don Mattingly was especially shook up by the young star’s untimely death. Even on an APBA level, texts and emails were sent to Don Smith who managed Fernandez in our Illowa APBA League expressing sympathy. It may sound corny but Don had a attachment as well as an investment in Jose.
| Split | W | L | G | GS | CG | SHO | IP | H | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Totals | 12 | 6 | .667 | 2.19 | 28 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 172.2 | 111 | 42 | 10 | 58 | 187 |
See, Fernandez was the very first pick in the IAL in 2014 after this card came out. Don is no dummy. He knows talent and grabbed him with that #1 pick. Don’s instincts were on the money. After a couple of years riding the pines the two years after his rookie year, Fernandez was off to a fantastic season in 2016 winning 16 games and an ERA of 2.86.
These may be paper cardstock with numbers written on them but for those of us in leagues attach personalities to them. Usually, they bear some similarity to the actual person (sometimes, they may not).
According to IAL rules, Don will be able to use Jose Fernandez up to his Games Started and Innings Pitched in the 2017 IAL season. It might be a little difficult/awkward when Fernandez comes to the mound for Don’s Molly Putts Marauders next year. I’m sure some of us will deal with it using humor, maybe emotion and maybe some of us will just ignore the issue.
One thing is for sure, he will most likely another pitch a fantastic season. RIP Jose Fernandez.
Buster Olney says that he thinks Jose Fernandez could (& should) win the Cy Young award.
Molly said that Don Smith would be more effective if he were more knowledgeable.