Seminoles Punch In For Marlins Home Opener

By Felix DoBosz

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — The Seminole citizens were gathered in the tribe’s suite high above the baseball field of dreams high-fiving each other in celebration of the tremendous grand slam by Marlins right fielder Juan Encarnacion.

It was a glorious opening day for Marlins fans celebrating the new baseball season that had begun on April 5. Besides the new shiny black and silver uniforms, the Marlins cheerleaders—the “Mermaids”—got the fans excited and into the happy zone with their new eye-popping dance routines along the field foul lines.

On a beautiful clear day at Dolphin Stadium, and in front of a regular season record crowd of more than 57,000, the 2005 Marlins baseball season got underway with a big bang. The Seminole suite at Dolphins Stadium was packed with happy fans that were privileged to witness the new Marlins batting order that smashed pitcher John Smoltz and the visiting Atlanta Braves for 13 hits.

Smoltz knew he was in big trouble in the bottom of the first inning when the high pitch count he encountered began taking its toll on him. This led to a huge 5-run Marlins inning, capped off by a 2-out bases loaded grand slam by Juan Encarnacion. The Atlanta Braves were never able to fully recover after that big first inning whipping.

The Marlins won the game 9-0 because of their superior hitting and 2003 World Series MVP starter Josh Beckett’s inspiring performance on the mound. He held the Braves to a couple of hits through six innings and struck out a total of six batters. Carlos Delgado, the Marlins new first baseman, went four-for-five in his debut as a Florida Marlin.

Tribal Treasurer Mike Tiger dropped by the suite with part of his lovely family to greet everyone and see the opener. Recreation Director Moses “Bigg Shot” Jumper Jr. was also there briefly enjoying the game and all the festivities. Ruggy Jumper brought his family, friends and a homemade sign on a white sheet with spray painted color letters he made in his spare time waiting patiently for Marlins opening day.

The Banner read “Seminoles Love the Marlins.” Ruggy Jumper hung it proudly with his family’s help from the window sill in front of the suite, but the wind kept lifting up the sheet as though it were magically dancing in the tropical breezes.

Jumper said he came out with his family, because it’s the first time he’s been to an opening day.

“It’s special, I brought my two grandkids, and my brother–in-law and his daughter, we’re having a good time so far,” he said. “Just like last year, we [the Marlins] had a chance. First half of the year we was number one, the second half we faltered, but this year we’re suppose to have our year again, with the additions of Delgado and a couple of other key players we should be there. This is a state of the art suite, next to [Dolphins owner,] Wayne Huizenga’s suite, sometimes you get to see Dan Marino. That’s right; today Dan Marino throws out the first pitch, one of the great things you get to see.”

Marino’s autographed Dolphin number 13 football jersey hangs in a framed glass case on the side wall of the suite.

On seeing the Goodyear® blimp floating above the stadium, Jumper said, “maybe we’ll go 162 and 0!,” with a big hearty good natured laugh. He said he plans on attending as many games as he can with his family.