It’s been 17 years since the Miami Marlins have had to worry about playoff aspirations. To say the idea of this team making the postseason in 2020 is about as crazy as the other events of 2020.
But as you look at the MLB landscape, it is more of a reality than some still might think. Don Mattingly and his players are still digging in, still scratching and clawing and fighting for recognition as a team that could make some noise in October.
As a fan of the National League, the Marlins and Major League Baseball, this makes me feel like a kid at Christmas time.
Miami notched its 25th win on Wednesday, defying many who thought the team would never get to this point this season. And for those who held out hope – like myself – it is pure elation that this team fights through the adversity of the shortened season and used it to the franchise’s advantage.
“With the win, the Marlins (25-22) gained a full game on the Braves, who lost to the Orioles. Miami is now 2 1/2 games back in the National League East,” Joe Frisaro wrote on MLB.com. “The Marlins also are 1 1/2 games in front of the Phillies for second place in the division. The top two teams from each division earn a playoff spot this season, along with two Wild Cards in each league.”
Gaining momentum at the end of the season is crucial to playoff stability. This is a team that has done this with smoke and mirrors. The offense has not been a juggernaut. The injuries from this roster have been brutal and the pitching staff, although young and talented, has been changed more than almost all of the teams in the National League.
Perseverance? Yes. Determination? Definitely? Hoping this all works out? Yes, there is some of that as well.
In his fifth season as the Marlins skipper, Mattingly has finally put the doubters to rest. After coming from the left coast in Los Angeles, the former Yankees star was supposed to bring the same kind of success he enjoyed with the Dodgers to South Florida.
It did not happen. Now, with a new roster, young players who are developing and a scorecard that has been written and rewritten, the success of this team is greatly due to his insight with these neophytes. But it’s not just the coaching staff that has bought into all this excitement and preparation. The players are committed to the cause as well.
“There’s no selfish players on this team,” outfielder Lewis Brinson said. “There’s nobody who is just here for their numbers. Everybody wants one goal, and that’s to win a World Series and get to that next step.”
And as you all know, the Marlins have never won a division title, but also hold two World Series titles in the trophy case. This could be – rather should be – another special season if things continue to fall into place.
A handful of games remain. Another game against the Boston Red Sox still hangs in the balance and a chance to notch a 26th win. That’s enough to keep the excitement brewing. Mattingly and his staff will continue to do their job. The pitching staff will hopefully create their own magic.
This is the best time to be a Marlins fan. Those who want to jump on the band wagon are welcome. For me, it’s how baseball should be this late in the season. And for the Marlins, it’s almost time to celebrate the end of 17 years without a trip to the second show.
I personally can’t wait to see how this story ends, as long as it doesn’t end before October.
