ART OF THE MATTER County to the Captain: Don’t touch our home-run sculpture
Derek Jeter does not officially own the Marlins yet, but one potential change his ownership group reportedly was interested inin makingmaking will not be happening.
FanRag Sports reported someone connected with Jeter’s group wanted to remove the large “home run sculpture” beyond the fence in left field. Miami-Dade County went on the offensive Thursday, telling the Miami Herald the art installation won’t be going anywhere, regardless of who owns the team.
“The county commissioned and purchased the home run sculpture with the public art funds generated by the ballpark project,” Michael Spring, head of the county’s cultural affairs arm, told the Herald in an email. “[It] was designed specifically for this project and location and is permanently installed. It is not movable.”
The sculpture, called “Homer” by artist Red Grooms, is 73 feet tall and among the South Florida ballpark’s most distinguishing features. The garish piece also has its critics — and apparently someone in Jeter’s potential ownership group is one of them.
The group, led by Jeter and billionaire money manager Bruce Sherman — and also including Michael Jordan — is expected to purchase the Marlins from Jeffrey Loria for $1.2 billion.
Despite the investment, it seems Marlins Park’s flashy, electronic beach scene is one part of this MLB franchise fixer-upper for which Jeter and his group won’t be able to get a permit.
FanRag Sports also reported Jeter will draw a $5 million-peryear salary from his new position with the Marlins, which ESPN confirmed Thursday.