Marlins alumni reunite for 25th anniversary

MIAMI -- Teal trimmed uniforms aren't the only noticeable reminders of the past for the Marlins this weekend.
The organization on Saturday honored the 25th anniversary of the franchise during a pregame ceremony, which included dozens of former players and coaches.
"I think it's a long-lasting connection with the organization, with former players, the city, the fans," former Marlins All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell said. "You've got to start somewhere. If you look around, half the guys I didn't play with, but I have an association with."
Players from the inaugural 1993 season were on hand, as well as those from the '97 and 2003 World Series title teams.
"It's great to be back and see the guys you started off with," said Rene Lachemann, the first manager in club history. "It brings back the memories of what it takes, after all these years."

Former TV analyst Tommy Hutton emceed the on-field ceremony, introducing Marlins alumni.
Among the players in attendance were Juan Pierre, Charles Johnson, Charlie Hough, Benito Santiago, Preston Wilson, Cliff Floyd, Gaby Sanchez, Alex Fernandez, Todd Hollandsworth, Alex Gonzalez, Alex Arias, Kurt Abbott, Antonio Alfonseca, Orestes Destrade, Edgar Renteria, Livan Hernandez and Mike Jacobs.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Hough to Santiago, the battery on Opening Day in 1993.
"An expansion franchise, and seeing what's gone on here, I know they've had their ups and downs here," Lachemann said. "But when you take a look at certain things that have happened in 25 years, not many franchises can say in 25 years they've had two world championships. It took 108 years in Chicago to get one. There's been a lot of great things that have happened here."

Jeff Conine, who was on hand Friday, gave a video statement that was shown on the scoreboard. Conine was absent because he was attending his son Griffin's college baseball game.
Griffin, selected in the second round of the Draft by the Blue Jays, plays for Duke University.
The pregame ceremony included a video remembrance of those who have passed away over the 25 years, the most recent being H. Wayne Huizenga, the original owner, who died earlier this year.
Jon Secada sang the national anthem.
"The history of the Marlins, a lot of guys in the clubhouse might not know the history of the Marlins," Pierre said. "It's a good time for them to see the great players who have come through, which are a lot."

Worth noting
• Another pick from the 2018 Draft has come to terms with the Marlins. Catcher Nick Fortes from the University of Mississippi, the club's fourth-rounder, has agreed to terms. According to MLB.com's Jim Callis, Fortes' deal is worth $425,000. The slot value is $474,000. News of Fortes' deal comes a day after outfielder Connor Scott from Plant High School in Tampa, selected 13th overall, finalized his deal. Scott and all signed players who pass their physicals will begin reporting next week to the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla., to get ready for the Gulf Coast League season.
• Lewis Brinson had a key sacrifice fly on Friday in Miami's 4-0 win over the Padres. On Saturday, the rookie center fielder was given the day off. The Marlins are continuing to sit Brinson about once a series, so he can work on cleaning up his swing and refining his approach. Padres right-hander Tyson Ross is a tough matchup on right-handed hitters, so Saturday was the designated day. With lefty Clayton Richard scheduled to throw for the Padres on Sunday, Brinson should be back in center.