In the professional sports world there are multiple options considered when trying to "jumpstart" a franchise. This could consist of a new franchise that is trying to build roots. Or a franchise that has been established for years and is looking to boost interest locally. The methods used to attempt a push by these teams and management is numerous. One of the most recent examples of a struggling franchise working towards a revival is the new and improved Miami Marlins. Will their attempt work to their advantage?
The Miami Marlins started out in 1993 as the Florida Marlins. They have had this name since their beginning until 2011. They have had quite a history for a "young" franchise. Merely 19 years old. This is a young baseball franchise considering some of the historic franchises in baseball. (Boston Red Sox, 1901; Chicago Cubs, 1902) They have shared a bit of success as the World Series Champions in 1997 and 2003. They were the wild card team in each of these seasons, but held off the Cleveland Indians in 1997, and the New York Yankees in 2003 to win titles.
Super Bowl 2012
In 2011, the Marlins took on a new face. They will be playing in a new stadium. Their own. They will no longer have to share a stadium with the Miami Dolphins as they have the past 18 years. Dolphins stadium, or Sun Life Stadium, was sometimes considered to be unfriendly to the game of baseball. Their new stadium is a thing of beauty. It will be featured on Opening Day as the Marlins play the St. Louis Cardinals for Opening Night Baseball. It is one of only 6 retractable roof stadiums in Major League Baseball. It is estimated that up to 70 of the 81 scheduled home games will be played under the roof. The stadium will only seat 37,000 people. This is the 3rd smallest venue in MLB in seating capacity.
In addition to a new stadium the whole look has changed. The Marlins are no longer the Florida Marlins, but the Miami Marlins. Their logo has changed and is now more colorful to represent the cultural aspect Miami has to offer. See their new logo here. They have changed their uniforms to include an Alternate Red top and hat for the 2012 season.
As though a new stadium, uniforms, and logo were not enough to attract new fans, the Miami Marlins added quite a bit of talent in the offseason. With the additions of Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, and Carlos Zombrano they could be a huge force to be reckoned with. They plugged what were seen to be serious holes in their organization with these offseason additions. Coupled with that, Hanley Ramirez - coming off arguable his worst season, will be back with the team and hopefully once again contributing. On top of all this, the Marlins have added one of the most respected, controversial, and outspoken baseball managers in Major League Baseball. Ozzie Guillen. Former Chicago White Sox manager and the subject of many controversial calls, discussions, and tactics ever heard of from a baseball manager. With all this effort made to ensure success, the new-look Miami Marlins could have a season for the ages.
But will they...?
Take a few things into consideration before you make your decision. The market for sports teams in Miami has never really been there. They Miami Heat can be seen as one of the successful attempts to create a profitable sports franchise in Miami. Also, consider past attendance statistics. For 12 of the 19 years that the Marlins have been established they ranked in the bottom 3 teams for attendance numbers. Since their beginning, attendance numbers have ranged from 3+ million (1993) to just over 800,000 (2002).
Try to imagine a team where bringing in a ton of new talent always worked out well. Since we are talking about Miami, consider the Miami Heat and bringing together the "Big 3". Didn't work out so well for them that year. However, they are moving right along now. Consider the NY Jets, who many considered to be a Super Bowl favorite this past year. Tons of talent, but not quite fluid in their operation. Talent and money can only take you so far. There has to be the will to win and a little help on the way.
I truly believe the only hope for Miami is that they believe this is their time to rebuild. They can utilize the draw of a new and beautiful stadium, the acquisition of great talent, a new manager, and the "hope" that this new and improved team will have success. Am I saying they will flop, No! Am I saying they will be an immediate success and contender for the World Series, No! But I am saying that they are taking a step in the right direction. This is a team and a franchise who is looking forward and not in the past. The future in Miami is bright for baseball. So Miami, will you help them succeed? Or will you become a future "Toronto Blue Jays"? It's up to you and your city. You decide! Choose well...
Miami Marlins New Stadium, Desired Effect? Let's Hope So!
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