
The 1997 Florida Marlins stunned baseball by going from expansion team to World Series champions in just five years. Their rollercoaster season was filled with highs and lows, culminating in a dramatic World Series win. Let’s take a look back at the 10 defining moments from the Marlins’ meteoric rise to its sudden shocking collapse.
Opening Day Promise

The Marlins began their 1997 season with a bang, defeating the Chicago Cubs 4-2. Kevin Brown, the Marlins’ ace, pitched six strong innings, and newly signed free agent Bobby Bonilla hit a clutch home run. This victory set the tone for a season filled with optimism and marked the beginning of the Marlins’ historic journey.
Wild Card Clinch

On September 23, 1997, the Marlins secured their spot in the playoffs by defeating the New York Mets 6-3. Alex Fernandez pitched seven solid innings, and Charles Johnson’s two-run homer sealed the win. This victory punched Florida’s ticket to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, fulfilling a key goal for the season.
The NLDS Victory

In the 1997 NLDS, the Marlins faced the San Francisco Giants and quickly swept the series 3-0. Liván Hernández took center stage, throwing a complete game in the decisive 6-2 win in Game 3. With this, Florida’s pitching staff dominated the Giants, and the sweep sent the Marlins to their first-ever National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Liván’s Masterpiece in NLCS Game 5

Against the Atlanta Braves in the 5th game of the NLCS, Liván Hernández delivered a stunning 15-strikeout performance, leading the Marlins to a 2-1 victory. His command of the strike zone gave the Marlins a 3-2 series lead. This legendary outing earned Hernández the series MVP award and pushed Florida closer to the World Series.
NLCS Game 6 Clincher

The Marlins clinched their first National League pennant with a 7-4 win over the Braves in Game 6 of the NLCS. Moisés Alou’s two-run homer and timely hitting from Bobby Bonilla carried Florida’s offense. This moment solidified their place in the 1997 World Series, a feat no one had predicted at the start of the season.
Moisés Alou’s Game 1 Heroics

In the opening game of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Moisés Alou’s bat again proved pivotal. He drove in three runs, including a two-run single in the 7th inning, leading the Marlins to a 7-4 victory. His timely hitting gave Florida the early momentum they needed in the Fall Classic
Game 3’s Extra-Inning Drama

In a thrilling Game 3 of the World Series, the Marlins secured a 14-11 victory in 11 innings over Cleveland. Gary Sheffield’s two-run double and Charles Johnson’s key RBI sealed the game for Florida. This slugfest highlighted the Marlins’ relentless spirit and put them in a decisive 2-1 series lead.
Kevin Brown Dominates Game 6

With their backs against the wall, Kevin Brown delivered a complete-game gem, leading the Marlins to a 4-0 win in Game 6. While striking out nine, he conceded only two hits, forcing a decisive Game 7 in Miami. With this performance, Brown demonstrated why he was the Marlins’ ace throughout the season.
Marlins Claims First Title in Game 7

Game 7 of the World Series was an instant classic. With the 11th-inning score locked in a 2-2 tie, Édgar Rentería’s walk-off single drove in Craig Counsell, which offered a 3-2 victory and their first-ever World Series title. Liván Hernández was named Series MVP, cementing the Marlins’ place in baseball history.
The Offseason Fire Sale

Just weeks after winning the World Series, the Marlins shocked the baseball world by dismantling their roster in a controversial “fire sale.” Payroll cuts forced the team to trade away stars. Moisés Alou, Kevin Brown, and Gary Sheffield’s departure signaled the end of Florida’s championship roster and started a steep decline for the franchise.