MIAMI (WSVN) - The Miami Marlins unveiled the new logo for next year’s All-Star Game that will be held at Marlins Park.
Festivities took place Wednesday afternoon on the field of Marlins Park with team owner Jeffrey Loria, Marlins legend Jeff Conine and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. The logo is a star and a Marlin with the colors of the Miami Marlins.
“I think Miami is a town that has a reputation for enjoying a good celebration,” Manfred said. “And we’re going to have a great celebration of the game of baseball.”
The “Midsummer Classic” has been played since 1933, but never in Miami’s 25 years hosting a Major League Baseball team. The City of Miami was previously slated to host the 2000 All-Star Game, but that was taken away in 1998 following the massive overhaul by Loria.
“There is a tremendous demand for All Star games now, probably unprecedented in terms of the history of the game,” Manfred said, “and it was just a question of so many cities, deserving cities, being in line in front of Miami. No slight to the City of Miami. I think a number of us knew we were coming here. It was just a question of which year.”
Marlins President David Samson said that the game will have an impact on the community as well as the team.
“Everybody wants to host the All Star game because it’s now a full week, and what it does for your community and what it does for your fans,” Samson said, “and it highlights your city and highlights your ballpark.”
The week includes the Home Run Derby, which Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton won this year in San Diego.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez cited the Super Bowl as evidence that the city is prepared to host the event.
“We’re a great host town. We’re going to be hosting the Super Bowl in 2020 for the 11th time,” Giménez said, “so we’re used to big events.””
Marlins pitcher José Fernández, who has been to two All-Star games, said Marlins fans deserved to have the game.
“I think just the fact that it’s here in Miami, and our fans deserve it, and I think that they’re gonna enjoy,” Fernández said. “You know, I really have had a really good time the times that I’ve been. It’s just amazing that we’re having it here at home.”
Manfred spoke to the crowd at Marlins Park about next year’s All-Star Game. “Today begins the countdown: July 11, 2017,” said Manfred. “The All-Star Game next year is not just a game. It’s a week-long celebration of the great game of baseball filled with fun, community activities that everyone in Miami can be involved in. I know that Miami’s gonna be a great All-Star host, and all of us at Major League Baseball can’t wait to get here next summer.”
After the presentation, the Marlins beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 11-1, and won the three-game series.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.