Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez officially became an American citizen on Friday after leaving his home country of Cuba seven years ago.

In addition to becoming a U.S. citizen, the 22-year-old native of Santa Clara, Cuba, was selected to deliver the keynote address at a ceremony that honored 140 other South Florida residents, who were also sworn in as new citizens.

"This is a dream that I've had since I was little, and actually achieving it is really amazing," Fernandez said during his speech, according to The Associated Press. "Having my family here and so much support from this amazing country, it's really fantastic."

Fernandez defected from Cuba and settled in Tampa, Florida in 2008 when he was 15 years old. However, it took him four attempts to cross the border into America. Plus, he even spent a year in prison, reports CBS Miami.

Fernandez, who earned NL rookie of the year and All-Star honors in 2013, was a first-round pick in 2011 and 14th overall by the Marlins after he graduated from Tampa's Alonso High School. However, he is currently on the disabled list due to Tommy John surgery.

"This is one of my important accomplishments," he said. "I'm an American citizen now -- I'm one of them. I consider myself now to be free."

After the swearing-in ceremony, Fernandez delivered his speech, saying, "Today is not really about I can throw 100 miles or I could be really good. ... Today is really important because all of us are the same today. We just became citizens.

"I thank this amazing country for giving me the opportunity to go to school here and learn the language and pitch in the major leagues. It's an honor to be a part of this country, and I respect it so much."

President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright -- who was born in Czechoslovakia before becoming a U.S. citizen in 1957-- also addressed the honorees in a video presentation.