Miami Marlins looking to dump the Home Run Sculpture
After quite a few missteps during his brief time with the Miami Marlins, CEO Derek Jeter may finally do something right and get rid of that ridiculous home run sculpture.
In the span of a few short months, Derek Jeter has gone from beloved New York Yankees legend to the despised CEO of the Miami Marlins. His trades of Dee Gordon, Giancarlo Stanton, and Marcell Ozuna have brought little back in return. He has made misstep after misstep in the public relations department, removing fan favorites from honorary roles, and firing a longtime scout as he was recovering from cancer. As penance, he was forced to deal with Marlins Man and his outlandish attempts to big time the legendary shortstop.
Now, Jeter may finally be doing the right thing down in Miami. The garish home run sculpture has come to his attention, as would be the case with any such monstrosity. In tours with various county representatives, it was reported that Jeter and the Marlins are looking to see if something can be done with that sculpture in the outfield.
Naturally, of everything that the Marlins have done this offseason, this is what is bringing down the wrath of the fanbase. Trading the talent on the roster? They’re used to that. Trying to force Jeff Conine to take a humiliating pay cut, then letting him go? A low murmur of dissent. But an attempt to get rid of the home run sculpture? Break out the torches and pitchforks – we’re storming the castle!
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Different ballparks have their own traditions and quirks. Fenway Park has the Green Monster. The Tampa Bay Rays have their catwalks and aquarium. Wrigley Field has their walls covered in ivy. The Milwaukee Brewers have the beer slide. And the Miami Marlins have the home run sculpture and a fan base that shows up dressed as empty seats.
There is certainly nothing wrong with having those different ways to make a ballpark unique. But there is a line of good taste, which the home run monstrosity has left far in the distance. The spinning dolphins, jets of water, and flashing neon lights would make the “artwork” more at home outside a casino, instead of within a ballpark.
Fortunately, the greatest mistake of the Jeffrey Loria Era may be coming to an end. After telling Jeter that the sculpture would not leave, local officials may be coming to their senses. Flipper’s nightmare scene may finally be put to rest, as the baseball gods would have reason to rejoice.
Next: Castro already wants out
Derek Jeter has not done much right since taking over the Miami Marlins. Getting rid of the home run sculpture would be enough to forgive those sins.