This Day in Marlins History: April 5

The Marlins have a history that starts well before their first game in 1993.

1965

Chris Carpenter, a reliever with the inaugural Florida Marlins, was born on this date 55 years ago. For the 1993 club, he was 0-1 with a team-second 2.89 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 26 K’s in 37 1/3 innings.

1976

Ross Gload was born on this date 44 years ago. A 13th round choice of the Florida Marlins in 1997, he eventually had a 10-season major league career. In 2009 with the Marlins, he played in 125 games and hit .261/.329/.400 with six home runs.

1993

Prior to their first game, the Marlins purchased the contracts of Bob McClure, Joe Klink, and Rich Renteria from the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers in the Pacific Coast League.

Marlins 6, Dodgers 3

"In front of 42,334 fans at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, the Florida Marlins, making their major league debut, defeat the Dodgers, 6-3. Joe DiMaggio throws out the ceremonial first pitch, and the team retires uniform number 5 in tribute to Carl Barger, their late president. – National Pastime"

Jeff Conine went four-for-four at the plate and scored two runs. Benito Santiago and Bret Barberie each collected a pair of singles, and Walt Weiss drew a walk, hit a single, a triple, and added two RBI. Charlie Hough earned the win, striking out four over six innings. He gave up three runs on six hits and two walks. Bryan Harvey collected the save with a scoreless ninth.

1994

Dodgers 4, Marlins 3

In front of 53,761 at Dodgers Stadium, the Marlins and Dodgers kicked off their season. Jeff Conine and Kurt Abbott each went deep, but the Marlins could only manage one other run, scored on three singles. Charlie Hough earned no decision, giving up two earned runs on six hits and a pair of walks in six innings.