Miami Marlins

Former Marlins manager Jim Leyland is having a moment. See the big one in 1997

By Miami Herald Archives

Florida Marlins Manager Jim Leyland left a legacy in South Florida, leading the team to its first World Series championship in 1997.

With a lineup that included Moises Alou, Gary Sheffield and Bobby Bonilla, the Marlins won a seven-game series against the then-Cleveland Indians to become MLB champions.

The Florida Marlins, which also won the World Series in 2003, became the Miami Marlins in 2012, when the team moved to the new loanDepot Park.

In July 2025, Leyland was enshrined into the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 2024.

Here is a look back at Leyland’s World Series victory with the Marlins in 1997:

The Miami Herald front page after the Marlins’ 1997 World Series victory.
The Miami Herald front page after the Marlins’ 1997 World Series victory.
A very happy Marlins Manager Jim Leyland circles the field after winning the World Series in 1997.
A very happy Marlins Manager Jim Leyland circles the field after winning the World Series in 1997. JOE RIMKUS JR Miami Herald File
The champion Florida Marlins react to the game winning hit in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series.
The champion Florida Marlins react to the game winning hit in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. Miami Herald File
In 1997, a Florida Marlins at what was then Pro Player Stadium, MVP Livan Hernandez waits for the crowd to finish changing “Livan, Livan!”
In 1997, a Florida Marlins at what was then Pro Player Stadium, MVP Livan Hernandez waits for the crowd to finish changing “Livan, Livan!” DAVID BERGMAN MIami Herald File
1997 Florida Marlins executives: H. Wayne Huizenga; Donald A. Smiley; David Dombrowski; Jim Leyland; Rich Donnelly; Bruce Kimm; Jerry Manuel; Milt May.
1997 Florida Marlins executives: H. Wayne Huizenga; Donald A. Smiley; David Dombrowski; Jim Leyland; Rich Donnelly; Bruce Kimm; Jerry Manuel; Milt May.
Rob Nen high fives Charles Johnson after getting the save in Game 1 in 1997.
Rob Nen high fives Charles Johnson after getting the save in Game 1 in 1997. DAVID BERGMAN Miami Herald File
Marlins manager Jim Leyland discusses a call with the umpires in 1997.
Marlins manager Jim Leyland discusses a call with the umpires in 1997. Nuri Vallbona Miami Herald Staff
MIAMI HERALD STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID BERGMAN - 10/26/97 - WORLD SERIES GAME 7. PRO PLAYER STADIUM -- Craig Counsell scores the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning on a hit by Edgar Renteria.
MIAMI HERALD STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID BERGMAN - 10/26/97 - WORLD SERIES GAME 7. PRO PLAYER STADIUM -- Craig Counsell scores the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning on a hit by Edgar Renteria. DAVID BERGMAN Miami Herald File
Sports Pass is your ticket to Miami sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER