One of the few people that was willing to admit to being a Miami Marlins fan is coming back into the fold, if only for one day.
Of all the bizarre footnotes to the Miami Marlins during CEO Derek Jeter’s first year of ownership, his feud with Marlins Man, the ever present Marlins super fan, may be the strangest. From Marlins Man, whose real name is Laurence Leavy, demanding to speak with Jeter and ownership, to their refusal to grant the usual discount for him to purchase a three year block of season tickets, and Leavy investigating the Marlins claim of ownership being located in the Caribbean, it has been a strange standoff.
Understandably, Leavy has not been around the ballpark this season. His usual place behind home plate has been vacated, his bright orange jersey and visor conspicuously absent from the stands. With every passing day, it seems less likely that he will be returning to the fold.
However, for one day, he will be back. He won two different Marlins fan experiences as part of a charity auction, outbidding the competition for the Player for a Day and the Broadcaster for a Day packages. The return will be coming!
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And so, that return will come to pass on September 17, when the super fan will get to be a Player for a Day. He will shag fly balls during batting practice, be present during Don Mattingly’s coaches meeting, and present the lineup card that day. Naturally, there will be an on field interview. And, let us not forget the introductory press conference, which could have the potential for an entertainingly awkward moment between Jeter and Leavy.
Leavy also won the opportunity to be a broadcaster for a day. That day should also be full of entertainment, given his statements about Jeter. After all, having someone in the booth that referred to the CEO as “Darth Derek Jeter” cannot be the fondest dream for the front office. But, nonetheless, his bid won the prize.
This is also a chance for Leavy to give back. He is giving away 300 tickets to fellow Marlins fans, who can enter to win in a sweepstakes. Not only will he purchase those tickets, but he will also provide free food and beverages to the winners.
Of course, this could just be a very expensive way for Leavy to troll the Marlins. They have to acknowledge him, at least for two more occasions. If this is not such an attempt, then maybe Leavy and the Marlins can reconsile and find a middle ground for his fandom to continue into the future.
Marlins Man will be a part of the Miami Marlins again, at least for one day. Whether or not this is a chance to make up remains to be seen.