Major League Baseball serves as a source of entertainment and pride for millions of people every year. In Miami, Florida the hometown heroes are the Miami Marlins. Although a fairly young team, they have an interesting history, punctuated with some recent changes that include a brand new stadium. If you’ve ever had Marlins tickets, you may remember them as the Florida Marlins. Founded in 1993, the Marlins became a part of the National League East Division. The team began their franchise playing at Sun Life Stadium, which they shared with local football team, the Miami Dolphins. On April 5th of their first season, fans who held Florida Marlins tickets witnessed the first home game in Marlin history. These fans were given an extra special treat when the new team beat the Los Angeles Dodgers with a score of 6 to 3. Pitcher Jeff Conine went 4-4 and was eventually given the nickname “Mr. Marlin.” In 1996, the Marlins had a great year that included several milestones, including a Golden Glove awarded to catcher Charles Johnson. AL Leiter also pitched the Marlins’ first no- hitter. However, it was in 1997 that the Marlins first experienced their most exciting season yet. Those with Marlins tickets had the opportunity to be a part of the Florida Marlins first Championship season. The fledgling team beat the Cleveland Indians in seven games to take their first World Series trophy. After this season, team owner Wayne Huizenga sold a vast majority of the team, citing financial difficulties. For the next few years, the team suffered, including a season in which they experienced 108 losses. However, in 2003 the Marlins stunned America when they overpowered baseball giants, the New York Yankees. Fans who’d spent years supporting their team and purchasing Marlins tickets were rewarded with the team’s second World Series victory.
After rough seasons in 2004 and 2005, the Marlins started over again by getting rid of several players for other prospects. Although the Marlins improved, they still struggled to impress. However, 2012 marks the beginning of another new era for the Marlins. For the first time, Marlins tickets replaced the word Florida with Miami, the team’s new identifying location. The new Miami Marlins logo also got a makeover, replacing the old marlin logo with a colorful M. The colors have changed as well, going from black and teal to an array of black, yellow, orange and blue. In addition to these changes, Marlins tickets no longer provided admittance to Sun Life Stadium. Instead, fans now watch games in the brand new Marlins Park. Marlins Park employs the use of a retractable roof to provide comfort to fans. The new field was built on the historic site of the original Orange Bowl, but is modern in its construction, considered by many to be contemporary. The Marlins Park also plays tribute to the city of Miami with its decorations, amenities, and food. The walls behind the home plate backstop are an aquarium with live tropical fish, and there’s a nightclub and swimming pool behind the left field fence that symbolizes Miami’s exciting nightlife. Those who purchase Marlins tickets this year can expect to see a ballpark that embraces the future in its use of technology and sustainability. Marlins tickets have been selling better since the changes were implemented this year, and for good reason. The new Miami Marlins are sure to excite and bring baseball home to the “Magic City.”