NewsMarlins celebrate park's groundbreaking
Fans show support as franchise looks ahead to next chapter
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
07/18/09 3:30 PM ET
MIAMI -- Organ music blared and fans chanted "Let's go, Marlins!" as shovels dug into dirt on Saturday afternoon at the Orange Bowl grounds.Ground literally was moved, and so with it marked one of the most historic days in Florida Marlins history.
More than 1,500 fans -- many wearing team-related gear -- endured a scorching-hot South Florida day to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Marlins' new ballpark.
Construction on the 37,000-seat retractable-roof park in the Little Havana section of Miami technically began on July 1. What took place on Saturday was a recognition and celebration of solidifying the long-term future of the franchise in South Florida.
"The look of this ballpark will be modern," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said. "It will feel very exhilarating. We designed it to be exciting and visionary, but our highest priority of all is fan comfort. Every seat will have a terrific view, and our food will be great."
Since their inaugural 1993 season, the Marlins have shared Land Shark Stadium with the National Football League's Miami Dolphins. The new ballpark is slated to open in 2012, and fans can follow construction via a web cam.
When the team moves into its new building, it will officially change its name to the Miami Marlins.
Three different Marlins ownership groups have tried for more than a decade to secure a baseball-only park for the franchise. At last, the vision is a reality, and a number of honored guests were on hand.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig as well as president and COO Bob DuPuy represented the league.
Team advisors Jack McKeon, Andre Dawson, Tony Perez and Jeff Conine took part, as did a number of current players, including Hanley Ramirez, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Matt Lindstrom, Brian Sanches, Chris Coghlan, Brett Carroll and Dan Meyer.
Volstad, 22, grew up in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and he first attended Marlins games when he was about 10.
"I remember me and my sister made signs," the 6-foot-8 right-hander said. "I may be throwing the first pitch here. That would be cool."
City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez attended, as did a number of city and county commissioners.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist delivered a video message congratulating the organization.
"I've looked forward to this day for a long, long time," Selig said. "Almost 20 years ago, we in Major League Baseball awarded a franchise to South Florida. We'd believed in Dade County. We'd believed in Miami, and we still do.
"What is taking place here today reaffirms our beliefs and our hopes. We believe Miami and Dade-County will play an important role in the growth of Major League Baseball. That belief has been further solidified here today."
The ballpark promises to be the site of future All-Star Games and World Baseball Classic tournaments.
Due to the excessive heat and frequent summer rains, the Marlins have long insisted that a retractable-roof park is necessary to grow their fan base.
"The day the ballpark opens is the day rainouts and rain delays become extinct," Loria told the gathering, getting a big response. "We're not going to limit it to be closed only for rain. If it's especially humid, like today, our fans will be cool and comfortable in the air conditioning."
A theme of groundbreaking was to link the past to the future. To help launch the day was a ceremonial first pitch. Brought back was the battery for the Marlins' inaugural game in 1993. Knuckleballer Charlie Hough indeed lofted a knuckleball to former catcher Benito Santiago.
"What this stadium means is it will bring new life for an organization that's needed life from the fans," Hough said. "It's had life on the field. They've always had great players."
Hough, now a pitching coach in the Dodgers' Minor League system, grew up in Hialeah in Miami-Dade County, and he was honored to take part in the ceremony. Santiago, who lives in South Florida, is happy the Marlins will have a new home.
"Before you heard a lot that they might have to move," Santiago said. "Now they're going to stay, and that's huge."
The groundbreaking ceremony took place where the new infield will rest. Portable bleachers were brought in, and they were filled quickly.
Vouchers for food were rewarded to the first 1,000 fans, and they were gone after 10 minutes.
Video highlights of some of the team's most memorable moments -- like its two World Series championships and four no-hitters -- were shown.
New renderings and videos of the park were also presented on a big screen.
The Marlins also recognized the history of the Orange Bowl grounds, an area previously known for football. The area was once home to the Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes.
"We cannot move forward without looking back at two teams which used this ground to make sports history," Loria said. "In 1983, the University of Miami stunned the college football world by stunning Nebraska and winning the first of its five national championships.
"The Miami Dolphins brought professional football in South Florida. They won a Super Bowl right here, and raised the sports bar to new heights with their 1972 undefeated season. We honor both of these teams -- we remember their achievements and dedication."
The building of the Marlins' new park represents a new chapter for the franchise and the Orange Bowl grounds.
"Now, it's your turn and our turn to make memories for future generations," Loria said.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
