Florida Marlins 1993

The Florida Marlins proved to be a huge success for management as over 3,000,000 fans poured thru the turnstiles in 1993, the team’s first season in the major leagues.

The Marlins had the lowest batting average in the majors, .248, the lowest total of doubles, 197, and the lowest total of homers with 97. However, the Florida Marlins had some top-of-the-line players and the future looked promising for their fans. Relief closer Bryan Harvey posted a 1-5 w/l, with an outstanding 1.70 ERA and rang up an amazing 45 saves – not too shabby for a team who won only 64 games. Speedy rookie outfielder Chuck Carr batted .267 and led the National League with 58 stolen bases. Left handed pitcher Chris Hammond, acquired from Cincinnati, posted an 11-12 record, 4.66 ERA in 32 starts. His 11 wins were high for 1993 Marlins.

45-yearold knuckleball pitcher Charlie Hough started the first game for the Marlins on opening day 1993 and posted Florida's first win.

During the 1993 season Charlie Hough became the first pitcher in MLB history to start 400 games and to relief in 400 games. In '93 he was 9-16, 4.27 ERA in 34 starts. Cuban first baseman Orestes Destrade led the team with 20 home runs, and led with 87 RBIs. Rookie outfielder Jeff Conine led the team in batting, .292, hit 24 doubles, 12 Hrs, scored 75 runs and had 76 RBIs. Jeff Conine played all 162 games and was the first player of an expansion team in MLB history to do so. Only one other major league player played in 162 games in 1993 – Cal Ripken Jr.

Third baseman Gary Sheffield was acquired from San Diego in June 1993 and hit .294 with 20 homers combined for both teams, and, entered MLB record books by becoming the first player from an expansion team to start in an All Star Game.