Marlin Maniac
FanSided

Miami Marlins: The 10 Best Rookie Seasons in Franchise History

By Alejandro Vargas|
WASHINGTON - AUGUST 10: Hanley Ramirez #2 of the Florida Marlins is congratulated by Dan Uggla #6 after scoring in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 10, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - AUGUST 10: Hanley Ramirez #2 of the Florida Marlins is congratulated by Dan Uggla #6 after scoring in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 10, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
5 of 6
Miami Marlins
Staring Pitcher Dontrelle Willis of the Miami Marlins (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

4. Dontrelle Willis (2003)

The first Marlins player to win the NL Rookie of the Year, Willis’ rookie year came during the 2003 championship-winning season. During this season, Willis posted a 14-6 record with a 3.30 ERA and 142 K’s, as well as pitching two complete-game shutouts, both before the age of 22.

D-Train was always fun to watch with his signature high kick throwing motion that he had. While his postseason was not as memorable as previously mentioned Miguel Cabrera’s turned out to be, Willis was a large contributor for a World Series team posting the third-highest WAR at 4.4.

3. Dan Uggla (2006)

Selected during the Rule 5 Draft from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Uggla came into the league mashing as he hit 27 HR’s in his rookie season with a .282 AVG and a .818 OPS. At 26 years old, it was evident to say that Uggla was seasoned enough to begin his major league journey.

Making the 2006 NL All-Star team in his rookie year, the lone rookie on the team in 2006 to do so, Uggla also finished in second place in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. One of the best home run hitters to ever wear a Marlins uniform, Uggla probably had one of the best seasons in league history to not win a Rookie of the Year award.

Home/Marlins History

Schedule