Final tribute to Jose

MIAMI — Despite his accomplishments, Jose Fernandez never pitched a complete game, and on Thursday he was carried out of church in a casket with too much unfinished business.

The choir struck up “God Bless America,” and mourners began to cry yet to again as they joined in, celebrating the place that welcomed the Cuban defector, who died Sunday with two friends in a boating accident.

The farewell came at a private Catholic mass attended by about 300 friends and relatives who nearly filled the large sanctuary.

Pallbearers wore black Fernandez jerseys while Marlins manager Don Mattingly and third baseman Martin Prado read scripture.

Players lined up to hug and console Fernandez’s mother and grandmother, seated in the front row. The 24-year-old also left behind a girlfriend pregnant with their child.

Those in attendance included Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, current and former Marlins players, former Marlins manager Jack McKeon and MArlins owner Jeffrey Loria.

“His magnetic smile could light up a ballpark,” Loria said. “He set the standard for making baseball fun.”