Marlins player cries after hitting leadoff home run in first at-bat after Jose Fernandez's death

Lynne Sladky/AP Photo

Miami Marlins infielder Dee Gordon broke down in tears after hitting a leadoff home run against the New York Mets on an emotional Monday night.

Moments before, the Marlins paid tribute to 24-year-old Jose Fernandez, who was killed in a boating accident Sunday morning.

Gordon, who called Fernandez "family" in a tribute on Instagram, wore Fernandez's helmet when he hit the home run.

It was Gordon's first home run of the season.

Before the game, Gordon was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with "RIP" with the letter I replaced by a photo of Fernandez.

Gordon, a left-handed hitter, took his first pitch batting right-handed in memory of Fernandez, who was right-handed.

Gordon cried as his teammates, who were all wearing number 16 in memory of Fernandez, hugged him in the dugout.

Watch Gordon tear up after leading off with his home run:

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Chills as Dee Gordon leads off with HR for @Marlins on an emotional night. #JDF16 #MLB @FOXMarlins pic.twitter.com/gwAbShjliZ

Gordon also paid tribute to Fernandez on Instagram:

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