25 questions (and answers) about Marlins 25th Anniversary Weekend

Marlins 25th Anniversary Weekend! It’s finally here! Whether you already locked up tickets to all three games or just plan to watch from many miles away, this figures to be among the most exciting experiences of the season.

The team has been teasing the festivities for months, but you might still have a few questions. Hopefully, this gets everybody on the same page...

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Will there be free stuff?

Yes. While supplies last, all fans coming through the gates on Saturday and Sunday will receive a rally towel and anniversary pin, respectively. An hour prior to the Friday and Saturday games, Marlins alumni will be available for autographs and selfies.

Please tell me the towels are teal.

Indeed.

Photo courtesy of @Marlins/Twitter

Who are the alumni?

Kurt Abbott, Antonio Alfonseca, Alex Arias, Luis Castillo, Jeff Conine, Orestes Destrade, Alex Fernández, Cliff Floyd, Álex González, Freddie González, Liván Hernández, Todd Hollandsworth, Charlie Hough, Mike Jacobs, Charles Johnson, Rene Lachemann, Mike Lowell, Ed Lucas, Carl Pavano, Juan Pierre, Plácido Polanco, Edgar Rentería, Gaby Sánchez, Benito Santiago and Preston Wilson.

Excuse me, what? Plácido Polanco played for the Marlins?!

Apparently!

What does CJ look like these days?

Hasn’t aged a day.

Courtesy of WPLG Local 10

Who’s the odds-on favorite for MVP of the Sunday softball game?

Cliff Floyd should be able to crush a couple homers to right field.

Who are the Marlins playing in the real games?

The Padres. Probable starters are Eric Lauer and Caleb Smith on Friday, Tyson Ross and Dan Straily on Saturday, and Clayton Richard and José Ureña on Sunday.

Are they any good?

Sort of? The Padres were among the worst MLB teams through the first couple months of the season, but they’ve quietly won seven of the past nine games. That includes a 3-1 record when these teams met in San Diego.

Gotta be honest: I haven’t paid much attention to the Fish lately. Who’s hot and who’s not?

Derek Dietrich has stepped up lately (at least at the plate). It’s shaping up to be a career year for J.T. Realmuto. Last two weeks combined from Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider: 9.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R.

But Miguel Rojas has crashed back down to Earth—1-for-28 slump—and the starting rotation looks suspect.

What do the throwback jerseys look like?

Photo courtesy of @Marlins/Twitter

Sexy! How do I get one?

Sounds like, at least initially, they’ll only be available inside Marlins Park at the team store. But I got a hunch that they may go on sale online at a later date.

I can’t wait any longer. When is the store open?

Beginning at 10am on gamedays and staying open until an hour after the final out.

What else should I be excited about?

Huge (literally) if true.

Uh...I actually don’t remember the Manatees. Can you show me?

WHY DID THEY GO AWAY IN THE FIRST PLACE?!

Jeffrey Loria didn’t want them in the new stadium (h/t Gus Garcia-Roberts, Miami New Times).

Well f*** Loria, amirite?

Agreed. But he’s gone now—forget about him.

You’re right. This all sounds like a fun atmosphere. Are the Marlins going to let their prospects experience it?

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that first-round draft pick Connor Scott will be there on Friday. All of their minor league affiliates are busy with their own games.

Who’s Connor Scott, though?

Any other draft picks I should know about?

What are the postgame events this weekend?

Fireworks show on Friday and the Deep Fried Funk Band on Saturday.

Where can I share my 25th anniversary memories?

Across social media, the Marlins encourage fans to upload pics and videos with the #Marlins25 hashtag.

But what if I want to write about it?

Do that here! FanPosts are open to everybody. In some cases, we may promote your post just like a staff writer article.

Actually, I was thinking of writing here on a regular basis. Got any openings?

We’re always interested in new contributors. Hit me up.

Thanks, Ely. I’ll get back to you on Monday. Will Fish Stripes have any more anniversary coverage?

Yes, at fishstripes.com and @fishstripes on Twitter.

Fish Stripes original GIF

Can we just get this started already?

Gates open on Friday at 5:30pm. First pitch approximately 7:10.