Plans were immediately made to convert the then Joe Robbie Stadium – located in the suburbs of Miami Gardens - from a football only into a multipurpose stadium. It was decided to cut down the capacity of the stadium from the existing 67,000 to a more intimate 43,500. Today, however, the stadium – which is now known as the Dolphin Stadium – has a modest seating capacity of 36,500.

The Florida Marlins played their first game on April 5, 1993, and won against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They finished the first year five games ahead of the New York Mets, who were placed last. They, however, finished last in their division, the following year, and the year after that, in 1995, they finished fourth. In 1996, they finished third in their division with an 80-82 win-loss record.

The Titles

In 1997, as a wild card entry, the Florida Marlins beat the San Francisco Giants, 3-0, in the National League Division Series, and went ahead to win the National League Championship Series by beating the Atlanta Braves 4-2. This was the Florida Marlins’ first National League Pennant.

The same year, the Florida Marlins set a record by reaching the World Series in only their fifth year of playing. They also went ahead to win their first World Series title by beating the highly favored Cleveland Indians, four games to three. They created a record by being the first ever wild card entry to win the World Series.

Though the Marlins have never won an Eastern Division title, they have, however, two National League Pennants and two World Series titles under their belt. The Marlins happen to be the only team in MLB history to have won two World Series titles as wild card entrants.

Relocation Talks

After the 2005 season, there were talks of a possible relocation of the Marlins, due to their inability to get a Stadium deal from the city of Miami. The possible places where they could move were: Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Charlotte, North Carolina; Monterrey, Mexico; northern New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; and San Antonio, Texas.

Relocating to San Antonio, Texas was a very strong option, but has been put on hold, for now, and the team is exploring options to build a stadium in Hialeah, Florida.