Home is where the heart is, a place where teams get that ‘home field advantage’. For the Miami Marlins, they haven’t felt that advantage in what seems like a lifetime.
It’s been nearly a month since the Marlins have graced the confines of Marlins Park but for the first time since July 21, they will feel that very same advantage. In fact, for the first time within the 2020 regular season, Miami will finally have a home game. It hasn’t been for lack of trying as COVID-19 reared its ugly head to postpone its scheduled home opener against Baltimore. While stuck in the city of brotherly love, the Marlins also missed out on the home series against Washington (July 31-Aug. 2) and a short home stint against Philadelphia. It has certainly been a bumpy road filled with plenty of action since last the Fish navigated their home diamond.
Mattingly Tops Win Record in Miami
Amid the coronavirus chaos that took place for Miami, there were several bright spots but none brighter than skipper Don Mattingly’s historic win. Following Miami’s 8-7 win to cap off a four-game sweep over the Orioles, Mattingly picked up win number 282 wearing a Marlins uniform. That marked the most career wins for a manager in the history of the Marlins’ franchise, surpassing Jack McKeon. Mattingly also became the longest-tenured Marlins skipper in franchise history, with over 653 games under his belt. He has joined the ranks of other notable Marlins managers such as Joe Girardi (NL Manager of the Year in 2006). Jim Leyland and McKeon who both won World Series rings (1997 and 2003).
Mattingly’s current record with Miami is 284-374 but overall with the time between Miami and the Los Angeles Dodgers, it’s 730-737. Mattingly has brought stability to the managing position in Miami that has seen 15 total managers. No other Marlins manager has more than four years under their belts. Leyland’s tenure spanned just two years and McKeon lasted four combined seasons. Even Fredi Gonzalez managed just two years before being booted out the door. Mattingly is one of just four individuals to lead Miami and do so with over 200 wins.
There’s no doubt that Mattingly has shown his expertise in the game over the years. He’s a well-respected name in the game who holds the highest WAR as a player among current managers. That’s according to baseball-reference.com. It’s safe to say he’s one of the more experienced managers who has accumulated success in multiple avenues in baseball.
Strong Start With New Faces
The Marlins came into the 2020 season without much in the way of expectations. That, in part, has led to a lot of praise for their early winning ways. While things need to be kept in perspective, it’s not out of the question to be excited about the fast start for the Marlins. Miami has had to go through quite a lot this season. From preseason questions to COVID-19 detours, Miami has had to find almost a new lineup filled with new faces every game.
As of Aug. 8, Miami had nine different players who began their MLB careers with the Marlins. Even with all the new faces, that hasn’t stopped the Marlins from putting together a solid season. That and leading the NL East hasn’t been an easy task over the last ten years for Miami. The Marlins currently rest as the top team in the NL East at a record of 8-4 (.667).
A New Way to Celebrate Home
With the appreciation of a home game at a near all-time high, the Miami Marlins organization has decided to go through with a new pregame experience for their home opener. To start, the National Anthem will be sung by Miami’s own Joana Martinez. There will also be a virtual ceremonial first pitch by South Florida front line workers. There will also be a moment of silence for Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame and Cuban Hall of Fame member Tony Taylor. Taylor’s life was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pregame ceremony will also include recognition of racial inequality with a new center field banner.
Along with the home opener festivities, the Marlins will also be installing some new pregame opportunities for fans all season. Fans will be able to virtually view batting practice thanks to cameras placed all around Marlins Park. The pregame ceremonies going forward will also include unique access to game-worn memorabilia. That’s not to mention 50/50 raffles and pick-a-player features.
The excitement of the 2020 season has already included a strong start, but today, it will include a return home.
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