Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #33 World Series MVP

August 13, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Livan Hernandez (61) reacts on the mound during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History. “I Love You Miami!” These were the words Livan Hernandez screamed moments after winning the 1997 World Series with the Marlins.  What an amazing series Livan had. This brings us to moment 33 and Livan’s World Series MVP.

I’m not taking anything away from Josh Beckett’s 2003 World Series MVP, but Livan’s World Series MVP was something very special. In the 1997 World Series Livan started 2 games and won both of them. That first game he pitched, he helped the Marlins win their first World Series game ever. He pitched 5.2 innings and struck out 5 batters.  In game 5 he pitched 8 innings and left the ball in Robb Nen’s hands with an 8-4 lead. After the Marlins won Game 7 in dramatic fashion, he spoke those magical words that will live on in Marlins history. “I love you Miami”, and we love him back.

What makes this World Series MVP a little more specials then Josh’s? Livan would become only the second rookie in history (up to that point) to win the MVP honor and was the 4^th player in history (up to that point) to win both the NLCS MVP and World Series MVP. There is one more thing that he achieved by winning the World Series MVP, he became (and still is) the only rookie to ever win both the NLCS MVP and World Series MVP in the same year! That is pretty special.

Speaking of firsts join me tomorrow as we check out another Miami Marlins’ first.