Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins start Legends Hall of Fame, name four-member inaugural class

Former Miami Marlins players Jeff Conine, left, and Luis Castillo speak after the team announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame during the team’s fan festival at loanDepot park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Miami, Fla.
Former Miami Marlins players Jeff Conine, left, and Luis Castillo speak after the team announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame during the team’s fan festival at loanDepot park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Miami, Fla. mocner@miamiherald.com

Two years ago, the Miami Marlins opened the Marlins Museum at loanDepot park, giving fans an opportunity to look back at highlights from the franchise’s three-decade history.

Now, the Marlins are taking another step to honor their past.

The Marlins announced Saturday during their FanFest event at loanDepot park the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame, which will annually recognize former players, coaches, managers and staff members for their achievements and contributions to the organization and South Florida community.

The first four-person class for the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame includes two players in Jeff Conine and Luis Castillo as well as former Marlins managers Jim Leyland and Jack McKeon. There will be a plaque for each member of the hall of fame in the newly expanded Marlins Museum, which will now be located on the landing area of the Legends Level (fifth floor) behind home plate. Each member will also be honored in a pregame ceremony during the 2025 season.

“We are proud to launch the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame and create a deserving tribute for legends who have played integral roles in shaping our franchise,” Marlins principal owner Bruce Sherman said. “This year’s inaugural class set the standard for what it means to be a Marlin, and we are thrilled to honor them this season. Through inspiring dedication and a lasting legacy, they left indelible marks on our community both on and off the field.”

Former Miami Marlins player Jeff Conine speaks after the team announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame during the team’s fan festival at loanDepot park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Miami, Fla.
Former Miami Marlins player Jeff Conine speaks after the team announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame during the team’s fan festival at loanDepot park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Miami, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Conine, known as Mr. Marlin, is the only player to have been a member of both of the Marlins’ World Series-winning teams. He played eight seasons over two stints with the Marlins, hitting .290 with 120 home runs, 553 RBI and 447 runs scored over 1,014 games. He was named an All-Star in both the 1994 and 1995 seasons. Conine, who now serves in the Marlins’ front office as a special assistant to Sherman, will be honored on March 30 when the Marlins cap their season-opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Leyland, who was named to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024, led the Marlins to the club’s first World Series championship in 1997. He will be honored on July 6 when the Marlins face the Milwaukee Brewers.

McKeon led the Marlins to their second World Series championship in 2003 and served as manager for four seasons (2003-2005, 2011). He will be honored on Aug. 3 in the Marlins’ series finale against the Yankees — the team the Marlins beat in the 2003 World Series.

Former Miami Marlins player Luis Castillo speaks after the team announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame during the team’s fan festival at loanDepot park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Miami, Fla.
Former Miami Marlins player Luis Castillo speaks after the team announced the creation of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame during the team’s fan festival at loanDepot park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Miami, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Castillo played for the Marlins from 1996-2005, winning a World Series (2003) and being named a three-time All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005) and three-time Gold Glove winner (2003-2005) during his Marlins tenure. He holds the club records for games played (1,128), at-bats (4,347), plate appearances (4,966), runs scored (67), hits (1,273), triples (42). He will be recognized when the Marlins host the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 24.

This story was originally published February 8, 2025 at 6:42 PM.

Jordan McPherson
Miami Herald
Jordan McPherson covers the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Panthers for the Miami Herald. He attended the University of Florida and covered the Gators athletic program for five years before joining the Herald staff in December 2017.
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