Marcell Ozuna Doesn’t Know Who Dan Marino Is?

Jul 22, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna (48) hits a single during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna is changing his jersey number from 48 to 13 for the upcoming 2014 season. The #13 jersey holds a strong history in Miami sports history, something Ozuna is apparently not well aware of. When asked his thoughts on Hall of Fame Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, the most famous athlete to wear No. 13 in Miami history, Ozuna had an interesting response:

"“Who?” Ozuna asked. “Don’t know him. I don’t watch football.”"

If Ozuna wants to have a long career in Miami with the Marlins, he is sure to find out a great deal about Marino in the coming years. He’s a figure in Miami that is hard not to know who he is. Hell, my mom doesn’t know football at all, but she was the first to recognize Marino when he walked into their Dunkin Donuts a few years ago.

The reason behind the number change for Ozuna? The season ending wrist injury he suffered a season ago:

"“Something inside my mind, when I get hurt, I want to switch,” Ozuna said Monday."

Ozuna had an impressive rookie campaign, despite being rushed to the Majors with just playing just 10 games above A-ball. If he can avoid injuries in the #13 jersey, Ozuna plans on wearing that number for the duration of his career.

"“If I don’t get hurt, I’ll wear [13] a long time.”"

Only two Marlins have worn the number 13 jersey for more than just one season: Paul Hoover (2007-08) and  Rob Natal (1993-97). Interestingly, the last two people to wear the 13 jersey (Ozzie Guillen and Chris Valaika) had a nasty divorce with the team, due to the owner, Jeffery Loria.

Hopefully Ozuna can be closer to the legend on the Dolphins he recognizes than Guillen, enjoying a long successful career in Miami.