4 World Series champs named to inaugural Marlins Legends Hall of Fame class
Christina De Nicola
@cdenicola13MIAMI -- Major League Baseball in South Florida might be relatively young compared to other markets, but that hasn't stopped the hometown club from impacting the game and generations.
The Marlins on Saturday night announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame, which will honor former players, coaches, managers and staff members who made significant achievements and contributions to the organization and South Florida community.
The inaugural class will include World Series champions Jeff Conine, Luis Castillo, Jim Leyland and Jack McKeon. Both Conine and Castillo were on hand for the launch and joined onstage by Juan Pierre, Antonio Alfonseca, Livan Hernandez and Gaby Sanchez at Marlins FanFest presented by ADT.
"It kind of embodies our history, right?" Conine said. "You've got the two World Series managers, and Luis was with the team longer than anybody else, and I'm happy and glad to be standing next to those guys."
Each inductee will be honored in a pregame ceremony during the 2025 season. As part of the special festivities, fans will be able to take home baseball card bobbleheads of each honoree and take pictures with them in front of their plaques. The plaques will be featured in the newly expanded Marlins Museum, now located on the landing area of the Legends Level (fifth floor) behind home plate.
The renovated area will be accessible to all fans in attendance at loanDepot park throughout the season, beginning on Opening Day when the Marlins host the Pirates at 4:10 p.m. ET on March 27.
"We are proud to launch the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame and create a deserving tribute for legends who have played integral roles in shaping our franchise," Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman said. "This year¡¯s inaugural class set the standard for what it means to be a Marlin, and we are thrilled to honor them this season. Through inspiring dedication and a lasting legacy, they left indelible marks on our community both on and off the field."
Conine, aka "Mr. Marlin," is the only member of both Marlins World Series-winning ballclubs. During his eight seasons with the Marlins, Conine was an All-Star twice, a National League Rookie of the Year finalist and the 1995 All-Star Game MVP. The organization will recognize him on March 30.
"I'm honored," Conine said. "When you're recognized for something that you hopefully did well and did it for a long time, and I got to have fun doing it, and to have a Hall of Fame designation behind your name for a team is pretty special."
Leyland, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024, led the Marlins to their first World Series title in his first year at the helm. He will be honored on July 6.
McKeon came out of retirement at 72 years old to take over a club six games below .500 and lead it to a 75-49 record the rest of the way en route to 2003 NL Manager of the Year honors. The underdog Marlins would capture their second World Series title by clinching at Yankee Stadium. McKeon will be inducted when the Marlins host the Yankees on Aug. 3.
"We called him the 'old manager,'" Castillo said. "He didn't remember any names of the players, sometimes he forgot. He called me, 'My man.' McKeon was a great manager we had. He brought so much energy for the team. We knew he's an old school manager and he brought it for us. We played the game right. We tried to play the game right and play hard for him."
Castillo holds several club records, including most games played in franchise history. A member of the 2003 World Series club, Castillo was a three-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman in his 10 seasons. His 35-game hit streak in 2002 was the Major League record for a second baseman at the time. Castillo will be recognized on Aug. 24.
"Well, for me, I'm so happy, because I never thought to be for the Marlins Hall of Fame," Castillo said. "I had a big career here. I know I played for many years. I played with a lot of good players, and I feel happy, because what would I do for that organization. I will do it because I love the Marlins and I love to play."
Tickets are available for these games at Marlins.com/tickets. Fans can head to Marlins.com/HOF and sign up to become a Marlins Insider to receive the latest news and information on the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame, including the possibility of taking photos with members of the inaugural class.