Miami Marlins’ Home Run Statue, Mascot on Display in Opening Night Matchup Against Cardinals (Photos)

If you're ever feeling grumpy about one of your favorite sports teams, remember this.

There are few mascot fates worse than that of a giant fish painted in psychedelic colors leading the team faithful.

Florida fans don't seem to mind — they appear to be thrilled about their new stadium, team colors, uniforms and décor. A packed house turned out Wednesday night to see the Marlins' new duds as Miami took on St. Louis in the de facto Opening Day contest for most baseball followers (the games played last week in Japan notwithstanding).

The new stadium in Miami has it all, from a see-through grotto-like fish tank behind home plate to a resident bobblehead museum. Then, of course, there's the mermaid masterpiece in the outfield that is due to light up every time a ball leaves the park.

Home runs weren't on the agenda Wednesday night, though, and neither was a win to welcome the Marlins into their new stadium.

(St. Louis did provide a no-hitter bid until the seventh inning, when new Miami star Jose Reyes hit a single to break the streak and draw the biggest cheer from the crowd all night.)

But no one could feel down for very long because, after all, this is what they get to look at all year.

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