Marlins inscribe mound, rub dirt on pants in memory of Fernandez

Though he wasn't there physically, the Miami Marlins made clear Jose Fernandez was with them in spirit as they took the field Monday against the New York Mets.

In their first game since the 24-year-old was killed in a boating accident Sunday, the Marlins honored the late pitcher by visiting the mound before the game to inscribe personal messages in the dirt in memory of Fernandez.

Players were also seen picking up dirt and rubbing it on their pants, similar to the ritual performed by Fernandez prior to his starts.

Infielder Dee Gordon later delivered the most powerful tribute when he hit his first home run of the season in the Marlins' first at-bat since Fernandez's death.