Miami Marlins: Whose Number Should Be the First Retired?

The Miami Marlins officially entered the league in 1993 along with the Colorado Rockies. During that time, there have been many stars that have played for the Fish. Yet there are still no officially retired team numbers.

Teams retire the numbers of players and coaches to pay respect to their accomplishments and what they brought to the franchise. The New York Yankees have by far the most retired numbers at 21, not counting Jackie Robinson’s #42. The Rockies, Mariners and Blue Jays are all tied for the fewest retired numbers at one apiece.

The Miami Marlins, for having such a short history, have accomplished quite a bit for a franchise. Some of these feats include two World Series championships, five no-hitters, four Rookie of the Year Award winners, seven Gold Glovers, and eight Silver Sluggers. That’s not terrible for a team that has been around for 24 years.

There have also been multiple alumni of the Marlins who have joined the Hall of Fame. These include Ivan Rodriguez (2003), Tim Raines (2002), Mike Piazza (one week in 1998), Tony Perez (managed the Marlins in 2001), and Andre Dawson (1995-1996). However, none of these Hall of Famers joined as Marlins, leaving the team without representation in Cooperstown.

Though there are no retired numbers or Hall of Famers, the Marlins have still put together very good teams in the past. However, they sold these players to other teams for discount rates. Miguel Cabrera is a perfect example.

We will take a look at the top five candidates for having their number retired in the near future.