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Fan petitions to rename Marlins Park for Jose Fernandez

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Miami Marlins fans want to remember Jose Fernandez every time they set foot in the ballpark, and at least one supporter wants the team to give Fernandez the ultimate tribute.

A fan named Jeremy Diaz has started a petition to rename Marlins Park to Jose Fernandez Stadium in honor of the star pitcher, who died tragically in a boating accident early Sunday morning.

"When the Miami Marlins failed to get fans into the stadium, the electric and powerful ace Jose Fernandez was able to get fans to go to the stadium in droves," Diaz wrote. "My goal is for the Miami Marlins to name the stadium after the late star, as every time he took the mound, everyone and their mother came to watch the spectacle.

"This would be the ultimate way of honoring his life."

As of 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, 170 people have signed the petition. The stated goal is to reach 100,000 signatures.

Related: Fans chant 'Jose' during Fernandez's funeral procession

Another petition started by fans is calling on Major League Baseball to establish a "Spirit of the Game Award" in honor of Fernandez's joy and love for baseball. That petition - which will supposedly be delivered to commissioner Rob Manfred and several other high-ranking executives in baseball - has reached 557 signatures.

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