Forgotten Stars: Seven Former Miami Marlins Who Were All-Stars

The Miami Marlins, despite being one of Major League Baseball's youngest franchises, have had no shortage of talented players walk through their clubhouse. While many fans remember the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez, and Miguel Cabrera as headline All-Stars, a handful of others earned the same honor, just on a smaller scale. Whether they were here for the long haul or on a short-term deal, these seven former Marlins made their mark with an All-Star appearance that some fans may have forgotten.

Unsung Names Who Earned a Spot Among the Game's Best

1. Jeff Conine (All-Star in 1994 and 1995)

Nicknamed "Mr. Marlin" for a reason, Jeff Conine was an early face of the franchise back in 1993. He earned All-Star selections in back-to-back seasons (1994 and 1995), just one and two years after the team's establishment. In 1995, Conine was named All-Star Game MVP after launching a go-ahead pinch-hit homer in the top of the eighth inning, ultimately leading to a National League victory.

That moment still stands tall when it comes to Marlins lore, even if his name has slipped from the minds of young fans. A consistent .280+ hitter in his prime, Conine represented stability during the franchise's chaotic early years.

2. Ryan Dempster (All-Star in 2000)

Before Dempster became a longtime Cubs fan favorite, he was a rising star in South Florida. At just 23 years old, he was named to the 2000 All-Star team while posting a 14-10 record with 209 strikeouts and a 3.36 ERA. Though his Marlins stint was brief (1998-2002), his presence in the organization gave Miami a much-needed innings-eater during a transitional time.

3. Armando Benitez (All-Star in 2004)

Benitez's All-Star season in Miami was one of the best of his 15-year career. In 2004, the veteran closer posted a dominant 1.29 ERA and converted 47 of 51 save opportunities, anchoring the bullpen for a team that nearly returned to the postseason. That year marked his second All-Star selection–but the only one with the Marlins. Despite the short-term window, his impact in '04 shouldn't be overlooked.

4. Dan Uggla (All-Star in 2006 and 2008)

Extracted in the Rule 5 draft, Uggla turned all Marlins haters into believers when, in 2006, he smashed 27 homers with 90 RBIs–earning his first All-Star nod. He ramped up the power in 2008, smacking 32 homers and collecting 92 RBIs en route to another All-Star appearance. What stood out to me most was how he tore through his rookie season, becoming the first Rule 5 pick to ever be named an All-Star–a milestone that still sticks with me.

5. Gaby Sanchez (All-Star in 2011)

A local Miami product and University of Miami alum, Gaby Sanchez, made the 2011 NL All-Star team after a strong first half, where he hit .293 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs. Though his peak in the majors was only during 2010 and 2011, his All-Star nod represented a feel-good moment for fans hoping to see a hometown hero succeed. He finished the season with 19 homers and 78 RBIs, offering reliable production at first base.

6. A.J. Ramos (All-Star in 2016)

From a 21st-round draft pick to the All-Star Game, A.J. Ramos's journey was anything but expected. In 2016, he earned his lone All-Star selection by converting 40 of 43 save opportunities and posting a 2.81 ERA. Ramos wasn't overpowering, but his "bulldog mentality" and nasty slider made him a reliable ninth-inning option during a season filled with bullpen instability.

7. Trevor Rogers (All-Star in 2021)

Rogers took MLB by storm in 2021, delivering a breakout season that earned him All-Star recognition as a rookie. He went 7-8, but his 2.64 ERA and 157 strikeouts in 133 innings were elite. He looked poised to become the next great Marlins ace, joining a famous lineage that included Josh Johnson, Dontrelle Willis, and Jose Fernandez. While injuries have since slowed him down, his All-Star performance remains one of the few bright spots in a challenging 2021 season.

These seven names might not headline Marlins history, but each left a lasting impression on the franchise. From Jeff Conine’s clutch heroics to Trevor Rogers’ electric debut season, they serve as proof that All-Star caliber players can be found in any era, and often when you least expect it. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Miami baseball, reminding us that greatness sometimes flies under the radar.