From Florida Expansion Team to Two-Time World Series Champions The Miami Marlins are one of Major League Baseball’s youngest franchises, but they have accomplished something many older organizations have never done: win multiple World Series championships. The franchise began as the Florida Marlins in 1993. In 2012, the organization became the Miami Marlins and moved into the new Marlins Park, now called loan Depot park. In only their fifth season, the Marlins won the 1997 World Series. Six years later, they captured another championship in 2003. The Marlins have also produced or employed numerous Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners and stars who went on to accomplish great things elsewhere. The Beginning of the Marlins Miami’s pursuit of Major League Baseball finally succeeded when MLB awarded the city an expansion franchise in 1991. The team was originally called the Florida Marlins and began play in 1993. The franchise’s first owner was businessman H. Wayne Huizenga, who was also associated with the Miami Dolphins . The Marlins played their first regular-season game on April 5, 1993, with veteran knuckleballer Charlie Hough making the first start in franchise history. The team immediately became a major attraction in South Florida. Marlins Ownership History The Marlins have had four principal ownership eras. Years Principal Owner/Ownership Group 1993-1998 H. Wayne Huizenga 1999-2001 John Henry 2002-2017 Jeffrey Loria 2017-present Bruce Sherman-led ownership group H. Wayne Huizenga — 1993-1998 Huizenga was the original owner of the Marlins. His ownership group spent heavily before the 1997 season and assembled a team that eventually won the franchise’s first World Series. Huizenga’s aggressive spending made the 1997 Marlins a championship club almost immediately. John Henry — 1999-2001 John Henry purchased the Marlins following the 1998 season. His ownership lasted only three seasons before he sold the club. Jeffrey Loria — 2002-2017 Jeffrey Loria purchased the Marlins before the 2002 season. Under Loria, the Marlins won their second World Series in 2003. Loria also oversaw the construction of the new Miami ballpark and the transition from the Florida Marlins to the Miami Marlins. Bruce Sherman and the 2017 ownership group A group led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter purchased the Marlins from Loria for approximately $1.2 billion in 2017. Sherman became principal owner while Jeter became CEO and held a minority ownership interest. Jeter left the organization in February 2022 and sold his ownership interest, leaving Sherman as the principal owner. As of 2026, Bruce Sherman remains the principal owner of the Miami Marlins. Marlins Home Ballparks The Marlins have had two primary home stadiums. Joe Robbie Stadium / Pro Player Stadium / Sun Life Stadium — 1993-2011 The Marlins began playing at the football stadium that eventually became known by several names. The stadium was originally called Joe Robbie Stadium. It was later renamed: Pro Player Stadium Dolphin Stadium Land Shark Stadium Sun Life Stadium The Marlins played their first 19 seasons there. The stadium had a baseball capacity of approximately 47,000. Most importantly, it was the home of the 1997 and 2003 World Series championship teams. Marlins Park — 2012-2020 The Marlins moved into their own baseball stadium in 2012. The retractable-roof facility was called Marlins Park. It was designed specifically for baseball and had a capacity of approximately 37,000. The stadium hosted the 2017 MLB All-Star Game. loan Depot park — 2021-present In 2021, the stadium received a new naming-rights agreement and became loanDepot park. The ballpark remains the home of the Miami Marlins. It has a listed capacity of 37,442. The 1997 World Series Champions The 1997 Marlins produced one of the most unlikely championship stories in baseball. Florida finished the regular season 92-70 and entered the postseason as the National League Wild Card team. The Marlins defeated: San Francisco Giants Atlanta Braves Cleveland Indians The World Series went seven games. Florida won Game 7 in the 11th inning when Edgar Renteria’s single scored Craig Counsell. The Marlins became the first Wild Card team to win the World Series. 1997 World Series Florida Marlins defeated Cleveland Indians, 4-3 World Series MVP Liván Hernández The rookie pitcher became the World Series MVP after helping Florida win its first championship. The Great 1997 Marlins Team The championship roster included: Jeff Conine, Moises Alou, Bobby Bonilla, Gary Sheffield, Charles Johnson, Edgar Renteria, Craig Counsell, Luis Castillo, Liván Hernández, Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, and Robb Nen The Marlins had built an extremely talented roster. But the championship team would not stay together for long. After the 1997 season, ownership dramatically reduced payroll. Many of the championship players were traded or allowed to leave. That became one of the most controversial periods in franchise history. 2003 World Series Champions Six years after the first championship, the Marlins did it again. The 2003 club was much different. It was built around young stars and talented veterans. Among the key players were: Josh Beckett, Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera, Mike Lowell, ,Luis Castillo, Juan Pierre, Jeff Conine, Ivan Rodriguez, Derrek Lee, Juan Encarnacion, Ugueth Urbina The team finished 91-71. After firing manager Jeff Torborg, the Marlins hired veteran manager Jack McKeon, who was 72 years old. McKeon guided the young club through an incredible second half of the season. The Marlins defeated: San Francisco Giants Chicago Cubs New York Yankees in the postseason. 2003 World Series Florida Marlins defeated New York Yankees, 4-2 The championship was secured at Yankee Stadium. In Game 6, Josh Beckett threw a complete-game shutout on three days’ rest. Florida won 2-0. Beckett became the 2003 World Series MVP. The victory gave Florida its second World Series championship. Marlins World Series Record The Marlins have played in the World Series twice. Year Opponent Result 1997 Cleveland Indians Won 4-3 2003 New York Yankees Won 4-2 World Series Championships 2 1997 Florida Marlins 2003 Florida Marlins The remarkable part of the Marlins’ history is that they have won every World Series they have reached. Their record is: 2 appearances — 2 championships Marlins Cooperstown Hall of Fame… Continue reading Miami Marlins Complete History
