Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #29 Joe Robbie Stadium

Mar 6, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; Miami Marlins bench coach Joey Cora (28) and Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen (13) joke around with Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland (10) before the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Marlins 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History. Joe Robbie Stadium (yes I know it’s not called that anymore, but to me it will always be Joe Robbie) was home to the Marlins from 1993 to 2011. Many great moments happen there, and one of my favorite moments that happened there is moment 29.  On September 28, 2011 the Marlins said good bye to Joe Robbie.

I remember one day in May I received an email from the Marlins giving me 50% off tickets to the game of your choice. I looked at the games they had and selected to go to the last game of the season with my friends and family. After waiting 4 months we hopped in the car and drove from Orlando to Miami to go see the last game in Joe Robbie. The game itself was alright. The Marlins lost to the Nationals 3-1, but there were some very moving moments during that game. In the 2^nd inning Ivan Rodriguez came up to the plate as a National. The crowd went crazy. Everyone stood up and cheered for this former Marlins player. Before he took his first swing he stepped out of the batter box and acknowledged the crowd. It was a very classy move. Steve Cishek would go down in history as the last Florida Marlins pitcher to take the mound. Oh and Giancarlo Stanton would throw a game-used ball into the crowd that a certain Marlins fan would catch. That Marlins fan would be me. He gave me a ball from the last game in Florida Marlins history, awesome! Also, the ceremony after the game was just amazing.

My friends and family who went with me were Yankees fans so they made fun of me a little as I got emotional see all the Marlin greats coming out to say a few word to the fans.  Charlie Hough, whom I saw throw out the first pitch in Marlins history, was there. Mike Piazza was there. Mr. Marlins Jeff Conine was flown to Marlins Park to raise up our World Series Banners (they videoed the live feed to us on the jumbotron). Livan Hernandez, Jack McKeon, and other former Marlin stars showed up. The video that the Marlins put together about their history brought tears to my eyes. We were also introduced to the new Miami Marlins head coach Ozzie Guillen. It was a great moment for Marlins fans.

A lot of non Marlins fans forget this moment because a few hours later we saw the Red Sox lose and the Rays beat the Yankees in one of the greatest collapses in baseball history. For Marlins fans, especially for the ones that were there, this will always hold a special place in our hearts.