Marlins will encourage fans to bring flags, musical instruments to park in 2019
The Miami Marlins have come up with a creative way to get fans excited about the team. Starting in 2019, the Marlins will encourage fans to bring flags and musical instruments to one section in the outfield, according to Andy Slater.
The section will be called “Comunidad 305,” which is both a nod to the Latinx community in Miami and the city’s area code.
Marlins encouraging fans to bring musical instruments, flags to games
While the Marlins’ strategy is innovative for Major League Baseball, cheering section are far more common in international leagues. In Japanese baseball, there are oendan, which the Japan Times classifies as “organized cheering groups who take up sections in the bleachers.” Those fans can use instruments during games. The Caribbean Series in Mexico and the MLB games played in Cuba also featured fans with flags. The World Baseball Classic — which the Marlins hosted — provided a similar atmosphere.
Marlins trying to create a different atmosphere for fans
When Derek Jeter became a part-owner of the Marlins, he stressed the desire to be more welcoming to Latin fans in the city.
Jeter says they need to cater to Latin fans and embracing them more. More signs in spanish around ballpark and Latin music playing in ballpark.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 20, 2017
On top of encouraging this cheering section, Jeter has also required English-speaking players and coaches to take Spanish lessons.
– – – – – – –
Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
More from Yahoo Sports:
• Dan Wetzel: Ohio State pours gas on growing rivalry with Texas
• Why an NFL QB left a $90M offer on the table
• Red Sox star under fire for post about Hitler, guns
• How one MLB player got ejected twice in a single game
