Marlins fans get salty at Jeter's town hall for season-ticket holders
Under new ownership and heading in a new direction - involving a full teardown - Miami Marlins CEO Derek Jeter hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the state of the franchise with season-ticket holders and the media.
The crowd got restless quickly.
Among those in attendance was the infamous Laurence 'Marlins Man' Leavy, who hadn't yet renewed his seats after being a season-ticket holder since 1993, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. While Leavy blasted Jeter by stating the direction of the club "makes him miss (former owner Jeffrey) Loria," Marlins Man wasn't alone in his pitchfork-wielding.
Derek Jeter is in the building. Let's get this thing going. pic.twitter.com/0ck9abkI51
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) December 19, 2017
Jeter opened by deflecting questions regarding Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto, who are reportedly unhappy with the team's direction. The New York Yankees great dismissed those claims as mere "rumors," per Aram Leighton of Fish Stripes.
One fan went so far as to suggest the Marlins should provide free admission to all their home games:
First fan: "I encourage you to give out free tickets for every game. If you give free tickets out you will get souvenir money food money, that will fix the problem."
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) December 19, 2017
Jeter response: "alright you've got it all figured out giving away free tickets is the solution."(sarcastically)
The night's strongest ovation came after a fan suggested Rich Waltz and Tommy Hutton - Marlins broadcasters who will not be returning next season after 13 years - made a great duo and should be brought back.
Loudest applause was for fan asking to bring back Waltz and Hutton. JETER says has nothing to do with those decisions.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 20, 2017
To his credit, Jeter did address a way in which he wants to improve the Marlins' relationship with the Miami community - playing more Latin music at games:
One of Jeter's solutions to strengthening the team's relationship with the community: More Latin music at the games.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) December 20, 2017
One Marlins fan was brought to tears at the podium questioning why her favorite team didn't choose to bolster the pitching staff and keep the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and Dee Gordon:
Marlins fan now crying at podium asking why didn't add pitching and keep top offensive players. Jeter asks what pitchers could have signed?
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 20, 2017
Jeter was empathetic to the crying fan, though, and appreciative of her passion:
Jeter telling the fan who was crying that he appreciates her passion. Says it wants it to happen and turnaround as soon as possible for her and all fans.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 20, 2017
Before signing off and turning the meeting over to president of baseball operations Michael Hill to discuss recent transactions, Jeter told the fans and media that he has "final approval" over roster decisions:
Derek Jeter makes it clear on Marlins roster decisions. “I have final approval.”
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) December 20, 2017