Jose Fernandez's presence heavily felt at Marlins Park

MIAMI – No. 16 was everywhere at Marlins Park on Monday night.

Jose Fernandez’s jersey number was in lights down the left-field line, it was high above right-center in the giant scoreboard and also in right field.

Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon had No. 16 shaved into the back of his head.

No. 16 was also in the New York Mets’ dugout, where it hung in tribute.

Most appropriately, No. 16 was etched into the back of the Marlins Park mound, where Fernandez used to dominate.

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And if you think dominate is hyperbole, realize that he had a 29-2 record and 1.49 ERA in 42 Marlins Park starts before his shocking death early Sunday morning in a boating accident.

Fernandez’s teammates certainly appreciated his value and couldn’t help but love his effervescent personality.

That’s why every single player on the Marlins on Monday night wore No. 16 during the Miami’s game against the Mets.

“There were 38 grown men in there with tears, all of them,” Marlins executive David Samson said of the Miami clubhouse before Monday’s game. “We’re just trying to understand … looking at Jose’s locker, and there’s a game to play …”

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Starting Tuesday, the Marlins will wear a uniform patch to honor Fernandez.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but you can bet – Samson said – that the Marlins players will be there in full force.

But the Marlins didn’t wait to honor Fernandez. In fact, both the Marlins and Mets paid their respects prior to Monday’s game.

Before the national anthem, a haunting rendition of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” was played on trumpet.

While that was going on, images of the fun-loving Fernandez were showed on the big screen with the words: “In loving memory, Jose Fernandez, 1992-2016.

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After the anthem, the Mets – all of them – came over to the Marlins side of the field and hugged every player and coach.

Then the Marlins all kneeled around the mound – Fernandez’s former work space – and they scribbled messages in the dirt intended for their departed friend.

Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, the unquestioned star of the team now that Fernandez is gone, huddled with his teammates and gave them an impassioned speech just to the left of the mound.

Just then, the fans started a chant: “Jose! Jose! Jose!”

The Marlins players responded, at their fast possible opportunity.

Gordon, one of the smallest players in baseball at 160 pounds and not a hitter known for his power, led off the bottom of the first with a home run that he crushed to the upper deck in right field.

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It was his first homer of the season and just the ninth of his six-year major-league career.

When he crossed home plate with the game’s first run, it was evident that Gordon was sobbing. He was embraced by his teammates, all wearing the number Fernandez used to display with such pride.

Gordon’s homer was fitting – nothing gave Fernandez more joy than getting a hit.

And that was the essence of Fernandez, who played the game with the exuberance of a Little Leaguer and the skill of an All-Star.

“The way we talk about Jose and his personality, you are not going to forget that,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said before the game. “Jose will have a presence in this organization even after we’re long gone.”

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