If you watched either of the first two games of the World Series, you might have asked yourself, “Who is that guy sitting behind home plate wearing a bright orange Miami Marlins jacket?”
If you didn’t, we’ll let it slide, though we’d suggest paying a little more attention to the things that really matter in life.
To answer the question, his name is Laurence Leavy, better known as “Marlins Man.” He’s a 58-year-old Miami lawyer who admittedly loves being part of the game, hence his decision to attend sporting events to which he has no emotional ties. The bright orange Marlins gear is part of his shtick.
“I think it’s great,” P.J. Loyello, vice president of communications and broadcasting for the Miami Marlins, told the Miami Herald. “He’s one of our loyal season-ticket holders. He’s definitely easy to pick out with that jersey. It’s fun to pick him out. It’s reached a point where we expect to see him at games now. It’s fun. It’s sports.”
“Marlins Man” told the Miami Herald he has attended 27 Super Bowls, more than 200 NBA playoff games, at least 85 MLB playoff games and several Triple Crown horse races. It’s no wonder he’s popping up as the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals square off in this year’s Fall Classic.
According to “Marlins Man,” the Royals’ owner wasn’t amused by him sitting front and center behind home plate for Game 1 on Tuesday. He apparently was offered some freebies, including a private suite at Kauffman Stadium, if he moved. The passionate fan wasn’t having it.
The 2014 World Series now shifts to San Francisco. “Marlins Man” might not stand out as much given the surplus of orange already present at AT&T Park, but it will be surprising if he doesn’t still make a cameo.
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