florida marlins history
florida marlins history
South Beach hosts one of the country’s most exciting nightlife scenes, some of the country’s best weather, and one of Major League Baseball’s most oddly successful teams. In a short history as a professional franchise, the Florida Marlins have earned a wild card berth in the playoffs twice and gone on to win the World Series Championship in each of these seasons. Despite this record of achievement in only 13 years of existence, Florida Marlins tickets have suffered in sales, partly due to controversial situations in which the franchise’s ownership has been involved. Former owner Wayne Huizenga brought the team a great deal of negative publicity after claiming false financial losses in the late 1990s, and later owner Jeffrey Loria was part of a lawsuit regarding the exodus of baseball in Montreal.
However, the team’s two postseason runs have delivered excitement to fans in South Florida. The 1997 championship provided the rise of star pitcher Livan Hernandez, whose defection from Cuba gave the team a boost for their starting rotation which already included Al Leiter and Kevin Brown. Hernandez’ remarkable season climaxed with the honor of World Series Most Valuable Player. In addition to the team’s ability to shut down opposing offenses, outfielders Gary Sheffield and Moises Alou proved to be valuable bats in the Marlins’ championship run. After the title, Huizenga frustrated many of the team’s new fans, trading Alou, Brown, and Bobby Bonilla. The team lost over 100 games during the following season.
Between 1998 and 2002, the team struggled and did not reach the playoffs. However, 2003 saw a resurgence of baseball in Miami. The addition of All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez and speedy centerfielder Juan Pierre brought fans back to the stadium and lifted the Marlins back into contention in the National League East Division. After a dismal beginning to the year, Jack McKeon replaced manager Jeff Torborg and promptly turned the team’s losing habits around. With victories over the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs, the Marlins paved a long road to the World Series where they met the favored New York Yankees. Pitcher Josh Beckett was named MVP of the series as the Marlins defeated the Yankees in six games.
The Marlins have not reached the playoffs since the World Series victory, and fans have seen some of the team’s most productive veteran players traded for minor-league prospects. The city of Miami has offered little help for the team, denying proposals for a new stadium throughout the last decade. The Marlins currently play in Dolphins Stadium, which is designed for the city’s professional football team. Discussion of possible new homes for the team has increased in intensity throughout the last year, and as this season begins, the future of baseball in South Florida does not look hopeful. Because of another complete restructuring in 2005, fans that do purchase Florida Marlins tickets will witness a young and fresh team. Under new manager Lou Piniella, the team hopes that shortstop Hanley Ramirez’ first season in the major league can provide the team with an offensive boost. Star pitcher Dontrelle Willis remains in the rotation, but the remainder of the staff will be filled out by young hurlers who have seen little or no major league action.
