Miami Marlins ace pitcher Jose Fernandez will probably feel a little more at home the next time he gets on a major league mound.  On Friday, Fernandez became a U.S. citizen in a ceremony with 141 other people. 

He also gave the keynote address in front of his family, friends, and the other newly minted citizens that represented 22 different countries.  Fernandez originally came to America from Cuba in 2008 after three unsuccessful defection attempts and stayed with family in Tampa, Florida.

The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year is currently returning from Tommy John surgery.  Fernandez has already proven though that he is one of the best emerging pitchers in baseball. 

He was also an All-Star in that 2013 rookie season and finished third in NL Cy Young balloting.  In just eight starts prior to his injury in 2014, Fernandez went 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA and 70 strikeouts.  

The Marlins expect him to make a successful return to the mound sometime around the All-Star break in July.  When Fernandez does come back, he is primed to continue his ascent to being one of baseball’s biggest stars.  

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Jose Fernandez Talks About Becoming a U.S. Citizen: