Last night, the Florida Marlins officially became the Miami Marlins. As part of the deal that built the stadium at the site of the former Orange Bowl, the team agreed to change their name to represent the city they now call home.
From their inception, Florida was never a name that represented the team. The difference between South Florida and the rest of the state is so stark that it was not really accurate to refer as this team being from Florida. So the change was made to the Miami Marlins.
With a new stadium and a new name, it only made sense that they modify their brand identity with a new logo and brand new uniforms. The logo that was revealed a few weeks ago was met with mixed reviews and some unauthenticated mock ups were also met with negativity so the unveiling had a certain buzz of uncertainty.
So when Hanley Ramirez stepped out onto the stage throwing up a “305” in white uniform with the previously leaked logo, the reception was pretty much positive. As the different variations were paraded by players like Josh Johnson, Gaby Sanchez, Emilio Bonifacio and Logan Morrison it was clear that traditional Yankee’s Pinstripes they were not. The uniforms have a lot of color and the bright orange alternate jersey is like a more electric Orioles jersey.
One important thing Loria addressed was the fact that both the primary home and away jersey’s would say Miami. Traditionally, the home version says the team nickname or has the logo while the away version has the city. Loria stressed that he wanted to make sure the uniforms represent Miami, so the new threads reflect that.
Talking with players, it was clear they were excited about the changes and the prospect that they will have new teammates soon. The names Reyes and Pujols were thrown around and new manager Ozzie Guillen confirmed to me that the team had offered Albert Pujols a contract earlier in the day. Here is Hanley Ramirez and Gaby Sanchez talking about the event
After the tour of the stadium and the unveiling, it was time for the VIPs to go under the tent and the press to get to work. Considering this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I decided to put my camera and notepad away and do what any intrepid reporter would do and I snuck in.
In true Miami fashion, the event featured a concert by “Mr. 305” Pitbull. You had Emilio Estefan mingling with the crowd, politicians shaking hands and scantily clad women shaking other body parts. It was surreal that one minute I am talking with my photographer and the next minute i am chatting with the owner of the team.
Although some people, like Yahoo’s Jeff Passan want to piss on the party and bring up the fact that this Marlins Regime has been unreliable in the past, last night was a time for celebration and the ushering of a new era.
The way I see it, the Miami Marlins are like a girl you know has a checkered dating past. Sure she may have cheated on her ex-boyfriend, but so far she has been faithful to you and she deserves a chance.
Lets just hope she doesn’t go back to her trifling ways.
