The Marlins are soon to be under new management, as current owner Jeffrey Loria reportedly agreed to a $1.2 billion sale on Friday. There are still some kinks to be worked out, like the approval of the remaining 29 MLB teams, the future of the team’s star players and the level of involvement from investor and former MLB infielder Derek Jeter, but at least one rumored change involves the Marlins’ infamous home run sculpture. Per FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, the center field eyesore (or Lisa Frank tribute, depending on your perspective) will likely be removed when the Sherman-Jeter group officially takes over.
The $2.5 million sculpture was commissioned from American multimedia artist Red Grooms and has been a staple of Marlins Park during its five-year lifespan. It’s helped commemorate everything from Jose Fernandez’s explosive first home run
to Giancarlo Stanton’s walk-off grand slam
to Aaron Judge’s spectacular show at the 2017 Home Run Derby (albeit without the colorful display).
Whether this is an isolated move or the start of a serious rebranding effort remains to be seen, but, like the removal of Tal’s Hill at the start of the 2017 season, it looks like another of baseball’s lovable quirks is destined for the scrap heap.
RIP, home run sculpture. You were gone too soon.
