MIAMI – Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, a native of Santa Clara, Cuba, has become a U.S. citizen.
He was the keynote speaker Friday during a ceremony for South Florida residents who were naturalized.
The 22-year-old Fernandez arrived in the U.S. in 2008, settling in Tampa, Florida. He was a 2011 first-round pick, and 14th overall by the Marlins, out of Tampa's Alonso High School.
He was the NL rookie of the year and an All-Star in 2013. He's currently on the disabled list after missing most of the 2014 season because of Tommy John surgery.
Fernandez took the oath of allegiance among family and friends. The 141 new citizens sworn in represented 22 different countries.