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Miami Marlins links for Friday, March 23rd
H. Wayne Huizenga dies at age 80
A life well lived for the business icon, who was the original owner of the then-Florida Marlins from 1993 through the 1998 season. Huizenga presided over the 1997 World Series championship team...and dismantled their roster immediately afterwards in an offseason fire sale.
He also owned the Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers—the photo at the top of this article was taken this past January, when the Panthers retired uniform No. 37 in his honor.
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Today, we mourn the passing of the original Florida Marlin, Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga, who will be remembered as much for his contributions to South Florida professional sports as he was for his many charitable endeavors in the surrounding community. pic.twitter.com/HOVxXEAU5Q
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) March 23, 2018
The Sun Sentinel published a timeline of Huizenga’s major career decisions. In addition, I’d like to add that he and his wife, Marti, had a profound impact on the community by donating hundreds of millions of dollars to various charities.
First night on the job
New Marlins television play-by-play broadcaster Paul Severino moved down to South Florida several weeks ago, but he finally steps in front of the mic for the first time as the Fish take on the Nationals. He’s excited!
I’m excited to finally get started! @Marlins vs. @Nationals tomorrow night in Jupiter on @FOXSportsFL 7pE w/ @hollytime28 https://t.co/5LJF0JAzNr
— Paul Severino (@SeverinoMLB) March 22, 2018
Get used to it: FOX Sports Florida will become a regular part of your Friday night for the next six-plus months.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald spoke to Severino about his background and partnership with returning analyst Todd Hollandsworth. The 34-year-old is the successor to Rich Waltz, who called Marlins games for 13 seasons. Those are huge shoes to fill.
Aram Leighton’s must-read
It takes extraordinary courage to do what Fish Stripes writer Aram Leighton did on Friday morning. This story details how he and his late father, Armando Leighton, Jr., set out on a journey to attend games at all 30 MLB ballparks.
Aram’s memories from those experiences are so vivid, and we are all proud that he’s choosing to cope with this heartbreaking loss by bringing the joy of baseball to others.
Please read.
I've spent the last year trying to find the best way to tell our story. I would be pages in then something would not feel right and I would delete it all and start over. This finally felt right. I gave this piece everything I had. I hope you enjoy. https://t.co/yprVsqPetn
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) March 23, 2018
Lewis Brinson injury scare
Wrapping up an awesome individual spring training (.365/.393/.654, 2 HR in 20 G), the last thing you wanted to hear about—Thursday’s game wasn’t televised—was a potential injury to the club’s top prospect. While stretching a double into a triple against the Astros during the fifth inning, Brinson was hit in the helmet flap by a relay throw.
The Marlins removed him from the game for a pinch-runner as a precaution. Thankfully, the potential star outfielder says it’s nothing to worry about.
“No, it got me pretty good, kind of scared me for a moment, but no, I’m fine,” Brinson told assembled media, including MLB.com’s Glenn Sattell.
Like uncle, like nephew
Patrick Hennessy covers 2017 draft pick Joe Dunand in our latest “Marlin on the Rise” prospect profile. He’s the nephew of Alex Rodriguez (yes, that Alex Rodriguez).
Starting lineup preview
Marlin Maniac continues its series previewing the Opening Day roster with a look at the projected starting lineup.