Miami Marlins

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1993

  • Original Name/City: Florida Marlins

  • Current Ballpark: LoanDepot park

  • World Series Titles: 2 (1997, 2003)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Fish

A History of the Miami Marlins

The franchise was born in 1993 as the Florida Marlins, a National League expansion team based in the Miami area. In an unprecedented feat for an expansion club, they reached the pinnacle of the sport in just their fifth season. As a Wild Card team in 1997, and led by manager Jim Leyland, the Marlins went on a memorable postseason run.

The series was capped by a dramatic, walk-off single by Edgar Renteria in the 11th inning of Game 7 to defeat the Cleveland Indians, giving the young franchise its first World Series title. However, the victory was immediately followed by a controversial "fire sale," where new ownership dismantled the championship roster by trading away its star players.

Incredibly, history would repeat itself just six years later. After limping to a poor start in the 2003 season, the Marlins caught fire under new manager Jack McKeon. With a core of brilliant young pitchers like Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis, and the potent bat of a rookie named Miguel Cabrera, the Marlins once again entered the postseason as a Wild Card.

They shocked the baseball world by defeating the New York Yankees to win their second World Series. Just like in 1997, this championship was swiftly followed by another roster teardown, creating a frustrating cycle for the team's fanbase.

In 2012, the franchise attempted a major rebranding, changing its name to the Miami Marlins and moving into a new, modern ballpark. Despite the new home and occasional star players like slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the team has largely struggled to find sustained success or attendance.

The franchise remains one of the most enigmatic in baseball, as the only team to have never won a division title, despite winning two World Series championships and never losing a single postseason series.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1993: Founded as the Florida Marlins expansion team.

  • 1997: Won their first World Series as a Wild Card team.

  • 2003: Won their second World Series, also as a Wild Card.

  • 2012: Renamed the Miami Marlins and moved into their current ballpark.

Legendary Players

Miguel Cabrera (2003-2007)

  • Although his time with the Marlins was brief, Cabrera's impact was immense. He debuted as a 20-year-old in 2003 and immediately became a key offensive force for their World Series championship team. He established himself as one of the best young hitters in the game before being traded away.

Giancarlo Stanton (2010-2017)

  • One of the most physically imposing sluggers in baseball history, Stanton was the face of the Marlins for eight seasons. Known for his mammoth home runs, he won the 2017 National League MVP award after hitting 59 homers, the most by any player in decades.

Dontrelle Willis (2003-2007)

  • "The D-Train" was an instant phenomenon, captivating the nation with his high leg kick and infectious energy. He won the 2003 NL Rookie of the Year while helping the Marlins to a championship. He also won 22 games in a brilliant 2005 season.

José Fernández (2013-2016)

  • A charismatic and supremely talented pitcher, Fernández was a beacon of hope for the Marlins. He defected from Cuba to become the 2013 NL Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star. His career and life were tragically cut short by a boating accident in 2016, but his brilliant smile and passion for the game left a permanent mark on the city and the sport.