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What the number 5 means to the Marlins

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Logan Morrison carries more than just his share of the hopes of a city hungry for another postseason run on his back this season. His jersey number holds a special meaning as well. As we all know, the number 5 was unretired on February 11, 2012 and assigned to LoMo. What most fans may not know is the depth of meaning of the number 5 to this young franchise.

It was a sad day for the team back in December 1992. During the winter meetings Carl Barger, our first team president, passed on due to an aneurysm, sadly never getting to see the Marlins take the field. Carl’s favorite player was Joe DiMaggio, and on our inaugural opening day on April 5th, 1993, the Marlins retired the number to honor Barger. In my opinion, he would be very proud of this franchise and what they have accomplished in such a short time.

Morrison is a key part of the core of this franchise, one of the most talented teams we have put together yet, and it is fitting that the number that meant so much to our first team president is back in action, with a plaque bearing the number 5  now honoring his memory.

LoMo has been plagued by sore knees, taking a lot of his playing time away. But once he can stay healthy, and Barger would agree if he were still here, Morrison will be a worthy wearer of the number.