The Marlins said goodbye to their rented home in a touching ceremony. Yes, almost every other franchise has a richer history, but how many of their fans can remember the pitch that started it? Seeing footage of Charlie Hough winding up on the first Opening Day in South Florida was all the more meaningful because most of us could remember where we were when it happened. (Watching on the TV in my editor's office at the Sun-Sentinel.)
There were some lovely moments yesterday: Hanley Ramirez walking out with his children after being introduced as the All-Time Marlins shortstop, and then speaking appreciatively of the fans (who have not always been so appreciative of him). Videos of best wishes from Derrek Lee and Dontrelle Willis. The inclusion on the All-Time Team of Alfredo Amezaga, a player who was never an All-Star but who, more than Jeff Conine, more even than Willis, personified the young, eager, happy-to-be-here Marlins. Crusty Jack McKeon telling the fans: "You're my family. I love you all."
At one point I even heard in the background Louis Armstrong singing "What a Wonderful World," a post-game tradition that should be carried over to the new stadium. But that should be about the only one.
The Florida Marlins are dead. Long live the Miami Marlins.
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