Several former members of the Miami Marlins will be at the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians.
Both sides will feature names that may sound familiar to fans in South Florida. There are also some historic connections between the Marlins and the league champions. The Florida Marlins as they were known at the time knocked off the Indians in the 1997 World Series. The Marlins were also responsible for the end of Chicago's title run in 2003.
In 1997, Cleveland was an exciting team with some veteran pieces and a respected manager in Mike Hargrove. The Indians ripped through the American League playoffs and appeared destined for their first title since 1948. Florida however had other plans and was an exciting young team itself. The Marlins ended up beating the Indians in seven games in one of the better championship series ever.
2003 featured another magical run by the Marlins and a heartbreaking ending for Chicago. The Cubs blew a 3-2 series lead in the National League Championship series and were forced to watch the World Series from home. Florida went on to beat the New York Yankees in six games for its second championship. The Cubs meanwhile had to continue to wait for their title drought to end.
Thanks in large part to those two Marlins teams, this World Series features two teams that have waited an exceptionally long time for a crown. Cleveland's 68-year wait pales in comparison to Chicago's 108-year drought. Now, one of those teams will finally reach the promised land and reclaim championship glory.
Helping those teams reach for the championship trophy will be some players and coaches that spent time with the Marlins. On the Cubs side, Chris Coghlan could play a pivotal role. Even though the former Marlin is not a starter on most days, Coghlan can provide a spark and timely hit off the bench. Often times, the players who make the biggest impact in the World Series are those who do not start the games.
Also in Chicago's dugout are Brandon Hyde and John Mallee. Hyde serves as first base coach and previously was Florida's bench coach. Mallee meanwhile is the hitting coach for the Cubs after serving in the same role for the Marlins. Mallee spent a considerable amount of time in the Marlins' minor league system as well.
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Over on the Cleveland side, there's only one name but it is a big name. Andrew Miller played for the Marlins from 2008-2010 and has now developed into one of the game's best pitchers. Miller picked up the American League Championship Series MVP last week and figures to play a big role in the World Series as well.
The World Series will begin on Tuesday.
