Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies
In 1997, Leyland was hired by Wayne Huizenga to manage the Florida Marlins and promptly led them to the franchise's first championship. The Marlins, in only their fifth year of existence, became the fastest expansion franchise to win a World Series. The Arizona Diamondbacks surpassed the Marlins on this list when they won the World Series in 2001, their fourth season.
In the offseason, Huizenga dismantled the team in what became known as "the fire sale." After Game 7, when asked about rumors that he may retire if Huizenga sold the franchise, Leyland quipped, "My wife doesn't like me that much. I can't retire." Leyland indeed remained as the manager, but resigned after a terrible 1998 season. At his press conference, Leyland remarked that he thought his job was to win championships, but that apparently wasn't what Huizenga wanted. Leyland was subsequently hired by the Colorado Rockies for the 1999 season, walking away from the final two years of his contract.
When he left managing after the 1999 season, he became a Pittsburgh-based scout for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was often seen sitting in the stands at PNC Park with fellow ex-Pirates manager Chuck Tanner.
Read more about this topic: Jim Leyland
Famous quotes containing the words florida and/or colorado:
“In Florida consider the flamingo,
Its color passion but its neck a question.”
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