Miami Marlins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Miami Marlins
2026 Miami Marlins season
Established in 1993
Team logo Cap insignia
Major league affiliations
National League (1993–present) East Division (1993–present)
Current uniform
Retired numbers	42
Colors
Midnight black, Miami blue, Caliente red, Slate grey
Name
Miami Marlins (2012–present) Florida Marlins (1993–2011)
Other nicknames
The Fish
Ballpark
LoanDepot Park (2012–present) Sun Life Stadium (1993–2011)
Major league titles
World Series titles (2)	1997 2003
NL Pennants (2)	1997 2003
East Division titles (0)	None
Wild card berths (4)	1997 2003 2020 2023
Front office
Principal owner(s)	Bruce Sherman
President	Caroline O'Connor (President of Business Operations)
President of baseball operations	Peter Bendix
General manager	Gabe Kapler
Manager	Clayton McCullough

The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team from Miami, Florida. They play in Major League Baseball (MLB) as part of the National League (NL) East Division. Their home games are played at LoanDepot Park.

The team started in 1993 as the Florida Marlins. They first played at Joe Robbie Stadium, sharing it with the Miami Dolphins football team. In 2012, the team moved to their own baseball-specific stadium, LoanDepot Park. At that time, they also changed their name to the Miami Marlins.

The Marlins have won the World Series twice, in 1997 and 2003. These wins happened during their first two times in the playoffs! They are one of only two MLB teams that have never won a division title. All their playoff appearances have been as "wild card" teams. This means they got into the playoffs without winning their division.

The only number officially retired by the Marlins is #42, honoring Jackie Robinson. This number is retired across all MLB teams. The number 16 has not been used since the passing of player José Fernández in 2016.

Team History: How the Marlins Started

Hall of Famer Satchel Paige played for the Miami Marlins minor league team from 1956 to 1958.

The Marlins team began in 1993. Wayne Huizenga, a businessman, paid $95 million to start a new team in the National League. Miami was chosen over other Florida cities like Orlando and Tampa Bay. The team was named "Marlins" after older minor league teams in Miami.

The first manager for the Marlins was Rene Lachemann. The team picked its first players in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft. The Marlins won their very first game on April 5, 1993, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jeff Conine was a star in that game and became known as "Mr. Marlin."

First World Series Win in 1997

After a few years, the Marlins hired Jim Leyland as their manager in 1997. That year, the team made it to the playoffs as a "wild card" team. They had many experienced players like Moisés Alou and Bobby Bonilla. Young stars like Luis Castillo and Édgar Rentería also played a big part.

The Marlins won against the San Francisco Giants and then the Atlanta Braves to reach the 1997 World Series. They faced the Cleveland Indians and won the championship in seven exciting games. Édgar Rentería hit the winning single in the final game!

Second World Series Victory in 2003

In 2003, the Marlins had another amazing season. Young players like Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera joined the team and made a huge impact. Veteran players like Jeff Conine and Iván Rodríguez also helped a lot. The team again made it to the playoffs as a wild card.

The Marlins played against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series. They won in seven games, even after being behind 3-1 in the series. This series included a famous moment where a fan accidentally interfered with a play.

In the 2003 World Series, the Marlins faced the strong New York Yankees. They won the series in six games, with Josh Beckett pitching a complete game shutout in the final game. Manager Jack McKeon became the oldest manager to win a World Series.

Miami Marlins Era: 2012 to Today

In 2012, the team moved to a new stadium, LoanDepot Park, in downtown Miami. They also changed their name to the Miami Marlins and got new logos and colors.

In 2017, Giancarlo Stanton became the first Marlin to win the MVP award for the National League.

During the shortened 2020 season, the Marlins made it to the playoffs again. They won their first playoff series against the Chicago Cubs but then lost to the Atlanta Braves.

In 2020, Kim Ng made history by becoming the first woman general manager in MLB. She also became the first Asian American general manager. Under her leadership, the Marlins made the playoffs again in 2023.

Team Uniforms: A Look Through the Years

The Marlins have changed their uniforms several times, showing off different styles and colors!

Early Years: 1993–2002 Uniforms

When the Florida Marlins first started, they had three main uniforms. Their home uniforms were white with "Marlins" written in teal and black. The road uniforms said "Florida" with a marlin fish wrapped around the "F." They used teal and black caps. Over time, black became more common than teal in their uniforms.

Benito Santiago and Florida Governor Lawton Chiles (left) in the original home uniform with teal caps; Lyle Mouton, Billy the Marlin and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Mel Martínez (right) in the original home uniform with black caps.

New Look: 2003–2011 Uniforms

Before their second World Series win, the Marlins got new uniforms. Black became the main color for letters and pinstripes, with teal used as an accent. Silver was also added. The road uniforms still said "Florida" but with a new look. They also added a black alternate uniform. In 2010, the road uniforms changed to say "Marlins" instead of "Florida."

Kyle Skipworth (left) in the 2003–2011 home uniform; Chris Coghlan (2nd from left) in the 2003–2009 road uniform; Giancarlo Stanton (2nd from right) in the 2010–2011 road uniform; Dan Uggla (right) in the 2003–2011 black alternate uniform.

Miami Marlins Era: 2012–2018 Uniforms

When the team became the Miami Marlins, they got a completely new look. The colors changed to orange, black, and blue. The new "M" logo had a cool, abstract marlin design. Home and road uniforms featured "Miami" on the front. They also had black and orange alternate uniforms.

Giancarlo Stanton (left) in the 2012–2018 home uniform; Mat Latos (2nd from left) in the 2012–2018 road uniform; Wei-Yin Chen (2nd from right) in the 2012–2018 black alternate uniform; José Fernández (right) in the 2012–2018 orange alternate uniform.

Current Look: 2019–Present Uniforms

The Marlins updated their logos and colors again in 2019. They now use bright Caliente red, Miami blue, and slate grey. The new "M" cap logo has a more realistic marlin. Home and road uniforms have "Miami" in black with red and blue accents.

In 2021, the Marlins introduced a special City Connect uniform. This red uniform with Miami blue trim honored the Havana Sugar Kings, a famous Cuban baseball team.

In 2024, the black alternate uniform was updated with white letters for better visibility. A new Miami blue alternate uniform was also introduced.

In 2025, the Marlins released another City Connect uniform. This black uniform with teal and pink colors celebrated Miami's vibrant skyline and the original Florida Marlins look.

For home games every Sunday in 2026, the Marlins started wearing a teal throwback uniform.

Anthony Bass (left) in the home uniform; Dylan Floro (middle) in the road uniform; Edward Cabrera (right) in the 2019–2023 black alternate uniform

Team Rivalries: The Citrus Series

Marlins vs. Rays: Florida's Baseball Showdown

The Marlins have a fun rivalry with the Rays, another baseball team in Florida. This rivalry is called the "Citrus Series" because both teams are from the Sunshine State! The Rays currently lead in wins against the Marlins.

World Series Championships: Marlins' Big Wins

The Marlins won the World Series in 1997 and 2003. After both wins, the team made big changes, often trading many high-priced players. Between 2003 and 2019, these two World Series runs were their only playoff appearances. The Marlins have made the playoffs three times and had seven winning seasons, which is fewer than most MLB teams.

Even though they have never won a division title, the Florida Marlins are the only team to make the playoffs and win a World Series in their first two winning seasons!

Team Roster and Players

Marlins Achievements and Awards

No-Hitters: Rare Pitching Feats

Marlins pitchers have thrown six "no-hitters" in the team's history. A no-hitter is when a pitcher completes a game without any opposing player getting a hit.

Hitting for the Cycle: A Batter's Big Day

Two Marlins players have "hit for the cycle." This means they got a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in the same game!

Retired Numbers: Honoring Legends

Jackie Robinson All MLB Honored April 15, 1997

The Marlins have retired the number 42 for Jackie Robinson, a baseball hero whose number is retired across all of MLB.

From 1993 to 2011, the Marlins also honored Carl Barger, their first president, by not using his favorite number, 5. Now, a plaque honors him, and players can wear number 5.

After José Fernández passed away in 2016, his number 16 has not been used by any player. A memorial at LoanDepot Park honors him.

Baseball Hall of Famers

Ford C. Frick Award Recipients

Florida Sports Hall of Fame

Gary Sheffield

Marlins Legends Hall of Fame

The Marlins started their own Legends Hall of Fame in 2025. This honors players, coaches, and staff who made a big difference to the team and the South Florida community. Jeff Conine was the first person inducted on March 30, 2025.

Key

Year	Year inducted
Bold	Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
	Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Marlin
Bold	Recipient of the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award

Minor League Teams: Developing Future Stars

The Miami Marlins have several minor league teams, also called their "farm system." These teams help young players develop their skills before they play in Major League Baseball.

Radio and Television: How to Watch and Listen

Marlins Broadcasts

You can listen to Marlins games on the radio! From 1993 to 2007, WQAM 560 AM was the main station. Since 2008, WAXY 790 AM has broadcast all games. Dave Van Horne, a longtime announcer, won an award for his excellent baseball broadcasting in 2010. He shares play-by-play duties with Glenn Geffner.

Games are also broadcast in Spanish on Radio Mambi 710 AM. Felo Ramírez called games from 1993 to 2017 and also won a special award in 2001.

Marlins games are shown on FanDuel Sports Network Florida. Paul Severino is the play-by-play announcer, with Tommy Hutton, J.P. Arencibia, Gaby Sánchez, and Jeff Nelson as commentators. Jessica Blaylock hosts "Marlins Live" and reports from the games.

In January 2026, the team ended its contract with FanDuel Sports Network's parent company. The Miami Marlins are expected to air their games differently for the 2026 season. They might be shown on local TV station Channel 39 WSFL, MLB Network, or through MLB Network with some games also on local stations.

Team Culture and Fun Facts

Marlins Mermaids on June 19, 2009

Did you know that in the movie Back to the Future Part II, it was predicted that the Chicago Cubs would beat a Miami baseball team in the 2015 World Series? That didn't happen! The Cubs and Marlins are in the same league, so they can't play each other in the World Series anyway.

The Marlins were the first MLB team to have a dance and cheer team! The "Marlins Mermaids" started in 2003. In 2008, they added "The Marlins Manatees," an all-male dance squad. Now, the Marlins have a co-ed "energy squad" for in-game entertainment. The Mermaids returned in 2019.

The Marlins have had many official team songs over the years. Famous artists like Pitbull and Scott Stapp (from the band Creed) have performed them.

In 2022, the Marlins created a special cheering section called "Sandy's Beach" at LoanDepot Park. Fans in this section wear beach-themed clothes to support pitcher Sandy Alcantara when he plays.

Team Performance: Best and Worst Seasons

Best Seasons in Marlins History

Here are some of the best seasons the Marlins have had:

Worst Seasons in Marlins History

These are some of the toughest seasons the Marlins have faced:

Home Attendance: Fans in the Stands

Except for their first few years, the Marlins have often had lower attendance compared to other teams. Even with their new stadium in 2012, attendance was only average at first.

The Marlins' former home at what was then Dolphin Stadium was primarily a football stadium (1993–2011)

First pitch at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, which held its first Major League game on April 4, 2012, between the Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Images for kids

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  Marlins Mermaids on June 19, 2009

See also

In Spanish: Miami Marlins para niños