Marlins' Jose Fernandez's Grandmother Watches Him Pitch in MLB for First Time

The Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez is the best young pitcher in Major League Baseball, but he had not pitched a professional game in front of his grandmother—until Monday.

In 2013, Fernandez was sensational. The right-hander went 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. His numbers ranked among the best in the National League, and he ran away with the NL Rookie of the Year award. 

His season was spectacular, but it was what happened after the season that he will remember for the rest of his life.

When Fernandez received his NL Rookie of the Year award in November, he was in for a terrific surprise. His grandmother—who had not seen him since he was 15 years old—surprised him.

Although Olga Fernandez was not able to see her grandson pitch in person during his rookie season, she was in attendance for the 21-year-old's start on Opening Day in 2014:

Lynne Sladky

Lynne Sladky

Lynne Sladky

The Miami pitcher allowed only one run on five hits and struck out nine batters in six innings to help the Marlins start the new season with a victory.

[Big League Stew]