There’s been a lot of talk about the Miami Marlins all offseason, so I’ll keep the trend going.
Let me start off by saying, I downright love the “Home Run Apple.” Whether it’s the old one outside Citi Field or the new one inside the stadium, the Home Run Apple is a Mets and baseball icon.
In addition to bringing multiple high-profile free agents including Jose Reyes, the Marlins have made headlines with their brand new state-of-the-art ballpark built on the site of the old Orange Bowl.
The stadium will feature a swimming pool in left field, a retractable roof and even aquariums with live fish on either side of home plate.
But the thing you won’t be able to miss is the Marlins new version of the Home Run Apple.
A 50-plus foot structure in left center field lights up like Las Vegas each time a Marlins player hits a home run. Fake marlins, seagulls and flamingos all move around in every direction, and a central marlin on top does a 360-degree spin.
Check out this rendering below:
Many of the Marlins players have said this new structure is distracting. From a Mets fan’s perspective, this home run celebration is way too over-the-top, especially compared to the classic Home Run Apple.
I’ll admit, I’m looking forward to seeing the new Marlins ballpark. But hopefully when the Mets head to Miami, they can limit the amount of home runs surrendered so we don’t have to see that obnoxious home run celebration.
However, with Giancarlo Stanton (formerly known as “Mike”) crushing balls, it will be difficult to contain this Marlins’ lineup.
Though I don’t want any players hitting homers against us, seeing Reyes hit a few and show-boat around the bases while that structure is going off will be tough to watch. At least if he hits an inside-the-park home run, it will be go by much quicker.
Stay tuned because we will be hearing much more about this structure as the season nears.
