Five Miami Marlins-related bits you can talk about during Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving is here, which means it’s time for turkey and stuffing and some variation of awkward conversation. That’s where we come in.

There’s really no need to talk about politics, relationships or what’s on your holiday wish list. Those are all important, yes, but not necessary for smooth Thanksgiving conversation.

Instead, here are some Marlins notes you can use to get the conversation started this Thanksgiving.

1. Ichiro reached 3,000 career hits

Chances are, even if your family isn’t big into sports, someone at the table will know who Ichiro is. After all, he has been around for a long time. Who wouldn’t want to talk about the guy who claims he wants to play baseball until he reaches 50?

If you’re sitting at a table full of sports fanatics, you should probably know that Ichiro’s 3,000th hit was a triple down the right field line at Coors Field on Aug. 7. Nonetheless, talk about Ichiro. The guy will be back with the Marlins in 2017.

2. Don Mattingly helped keep the Marlins in the playoff conversation for most of the season

Managers don’t get much love, so it might be challenging to bring Don Mattingly into the conversation. But chances are, if you’re talking about the Marlins, someone will know they went from being OK to competitive in a span of one season, and Mattingly deserves credit for that.

You don’t have to mention his playing career or time with the Dodgers. However, acknowledge the success Mattingly has brought to Miami.

3. Miguel Rojas is the face behind the post-game monkey

If nobody at your Thanksgiving table watches Marlins games, it might be a reach making a comment about what happens during the postgame show. But people have Twitter accounts, and the postgame celebratory pies were often well-documented.

Most times he had help, but Miguel Rojas is the face behind the monkey mask. That’s a great trivia question for your uncle who claims he knows EVERYTHING about Major League Baseball.

4. Derek Dietrich really wants you to talk about his first career walk-off hit

By now, everyone at the table probably knows Giancarlo Stanton smashes baseballs for a living, so you should consider bringing Derek Dietrich into the conversation.

Why? He wants you to talk about his first career walk-off hit and the way he celebrated.

When someone at the table attempts to start talking about politics, you should have this picture ready to go. Bookmark it. We’re serious.

5. Don’t forget about “dancing kid”

This, too, should be pretty popular for any non-sports fans at the table. This kid does baseball the right way.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Fish Stripes team!