Miami Marlins Lose Historic Edge As Puerto Rico Series Canceled

There actually are a few stadiums the Miami Marlins have a winning record in. Sadly, MLB just announced they won’t be play this year where they dominate the most.

There aren’t many places where the Miami Marlins can claim to have thoroughly dominated opponents.

Well, except the postseason, of course. They are still the only franchise to have never lost a postseason series!

But when it comes to actual stadiums, the list gets very short. In fact, it’s arguably one stadium long. Unfortunately, in the latest bit of MLB cancelation news, the Miami Marlins won’t get to flex their muscles there in 2020. For on Thursday, MLB announced the cancelation of two of three International Series, putting Padres-Diamondbacks in Mexico City and Marlins-Mets in San Juan on hold.

No word yet on the marketing crown jewel London series between the Cardinals and the Cubs.

Back to the Marlins though, and the fact that they absolutely crush it at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

All-time record in Puerto Rico? How about 7-2? That’s roughly a .777 winning percentage. Impressive stuff for a franchise that only has a .506 success rate when playing in their home ballpark.  And that’s .506 in both home ballparks combined. The Miami Marlins actually have a losing record at home since moving into Marlins Park in 2012.

When it comes to road success, the Marlins can claim winning margins in five other stadiums besides Hiram Bithorn: Camden Yards, Comerica, Kauffman Stadium, The Ballpark at Arlington, and the Rogers Centre. Of those, only the Rogers Centre track record of 10-5 (.667) comes close to matching the Marlins success in Puerto Rico games.

Why So Many International Games For Miami?

One question that 7-2 mark might pose for many fans is just how did the Miami Marlins find themselves in position to play in so many international games? Certainly, that must make them the MLB team to have played the most games overseas, right?

Interestingly enough, the answer to both questions is the Washington Nationals.

Or more to the point, the Montreal Expos.

Before changing cities, stadiums, and uniforms, the Expos/Nationals actually played twenty-two games a piece in 2003 and 2004 at Hiram Bithorn to stir up interest and profits for a franchise wanting for both. Obviously, that situation created plenty of opportunity for NL East teams to get some international playing time. The Marlins went 5-1 during that stretch, helped out by two lineups composed primarily of 2003 World Champions.

Dontrelle Willis was of particular help in those Puerto Rico games. The former Marlins ace and National League Rookie of the Year compiled a 2-0 record on the mound, while also going 4-6 with a HR and 3 RBI at the plate.

One other interesting side note. During the 2004 season, the Miami Marlins and Montreal Expos actually played each other in four different stadiums. 

Pro Player Stadium and Stade Olympique are givens. We’ve covered Hiram Bithorn. But thanks to Hurricane Ivan, the Marlins had a second home stadium that year as well. Forced to relocate and reschedule, the teams played the first two games of a ridiculous five game series at U.S Cellular Field. When it comes to dodging a hurricane, hard to get more out of the way than Chicago.

As for Hiram Bithorn and Puerto Rico, Miami would play one more series there in 2010, this time against the Mets. The Marlins went 2-1 in those games.

Hopefully, the time is coming when the Miami Marlins can count on some sustained success in their own confines. Until then, fingers crossed those Puerto Rico games get rescheduled.

It’s always nice to be able to pencil in a series win.