World Series, inaugural teams are honored
Players reunited as part of Marlins’ 25tn anniversary celebration this weekend
MIAMI — Prior to Saturday afternoon’s 25th anniversary ceremony, Juan Pierre stood on the warning track in front of the thirdbase Marlins dugout. His back was facing the dugout steps, but not for much longer. A former teammate tapped him on the shoulder.
“Mikey Low in the building,” Pierre said.
Mike Lowell greeted Pierre, and the two former teammates from the 2003 World Series championship team were reunited, like many of the players and coaches from the inaugural 1993 team and the 1997 championship team. One by one, the Marlins introduced the 20-plus alumni, including Livan Hernandez, Edgar Renteria, Alex Fernandez, Charles Johnson and Charlie Hough.
Former color commentator Tommy Hutton emceed the event. Former public address announcer Jay Rokeach also got behind the microphone. Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez and Jeff Conine filmed messages for the video board.
All that was missing was Craig Counsell jumping on home plate in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, and Josh Beckett being carried off after Game 6 of the 2003 Series.
“It’s a good time for them to see the great players that have come through there, which is a lot,” Pierre said. “Not just these guys here, there’s a lot more guys that are spread around that came through the Marlins organization. Remember the old, and embrace the new.”
During their series against the Padres this weekend, the Marlins are also celebrating their 25th anniversary by wearing teal pinstriped uniforms. Fans and players have expressed delight in seeing and wearing the throwback jerseys.
“It’s a little different now, but I love to see the teal and black back in the stadium,” Fernandez said. “It reminds me of being the Marlins.”
Pierre said: “A lot of these young guys don’t even realize that the Marlins wore teal. It’s good for them to get the history behind the organization, and know what they’re playing for.” organization mdefranks@sun-sentinel .com, Twitter @MDeFranks