ST. LOUIS _ Cardinals' Aledmys Diaz returned from Miami on Tuesday with a jersey like the one all of the Marlins wore Monday night as they honored Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident early Sunday morning.
That jersey will be in the Cardinals' dugout Tuesday evening when they face Cincinnati at Busch Stadium as Diaz honors the legacy of a childhood friend who lived on the same street in Santa Clara, Cuba.
Diaz was allowed to travel for a service and to visit with Fernandez's family Monday, an experience he found hard to put into words. He was most emotional in talking about Fernandez's mother and grandmother.
"I think it meant a lot to them," he said. "They see me maybe like a son, and I'm just thankful the organization gave me a chance to go and share that with the family. Me like a brother for him, the least I can do is go share that moment."
Diaz said he awoke around 9:30 a.m. Sunday to numerous text messages. He called his mother who confirmed the news. Diaz was unable to talk about the death of his friend before leaving Chicago on Sunday.
So close were the two families that Fernandez credited Diaz's father with helping him reach the major leagues.
Asked how he felt when he returned to Busch Stadium on Monday night, Diaz said, "I was grateful to be alive first and have the chance to be in a big league clubhouse."
Diaz last saw Fernandez in July when both played for the National League All-Star team. The Cardinals also played a series at Miami.
But they have known each other since playing baseball together as kids. Diaz credited Fernandez with being the ultimate role model for Cuban players and beyond.
"He's the perfect example," Diaz said. "He came to this country with the great American dream and was very grateful to this country as I think every Cuban who came here to give us everything. We can live in freedom and play the game. He's the perfect example of every Cuban American living the American dream."
When the Cardinals and Marlins played in July in Miami, Diaz hit a two-run home run and doubled in a run against Fernandez. It was the first time the rookie had faced the budding star.
"That was a moment I'll never forget," Diaz said. "Two days after that he said, 'Next year I'm going to strike you out three times.' It's a shame to lose a guy that means so much for baseball. I only play for his family right now and hopefully they can handle this."
Diaz will return to the lineup Tuesday evening.
