Why South Florida Doesn't Love It's MARLINS?

How much games was it exactly? Let's be generous and say, "What if these 2006 - lowest payroll in baseball, team full of the most rookies ever on a major league roster, with a gutsy, young manager who never skippered on any level of baseball - Florida Marlins had won ten (10) more games?" Answer - They would be battling in the playoffs right now and possibly challenging for a third World Series Championship, primarily because of their three (3) major strengths: 1) a strong and steady line-up, 2) consistent and dependable pitching, and 3) one hell of a NYC trained manager.
Seriously! Let's look at the 2006 playoff teams as they stand right now. The Yankees and Twins are out. Oakland and Detroit are good teams but beatable. Who doesn't believe that the World Series Champs are coming out of the National League (NL) this year? Yet, the front-runners in the NL - the Mets and the Cardinals - have major deficiencies that throw monkey wrenches in their championship hopes. Both teams have injuries to key players and suspect pitching rosters not up-to-par for a playoff chase, i.e. injured starters and suspect bullpens. The Marlins pitching roster was prime for playoff domination, considering their five (5) strong starters. So, why are the Marlins home teeing off, while some lucky team is going to win their World Series?
Baseball pundits could blame management for not supporting it's hand-picked manager and just let him manage the team and they administrate - like government, there must be some separation of power on and off the field - or management's inability to go out and trade for some pitching support in preparation for the stretch run - showing that their cheap azzes gave up on the season before it was even over.
Management could bitch about not getting a new stadium deal, lack of local government support, and an over-achieving team - all the while patting themselves on the back for reducing expenses and so masterfully putting together such a promising young roster, that set numerous major league records.
Yet, the real problem lies with the fickle sports fans in South Florida. I am a New Yorker of over 20 years. I grew up watching the Yankees but loving the Mets. Here lies one of the major issues with fans in South Florida! We are New Yorkers aplenty or from Chicago or Boston. So those of us who really love baseball, root for other teams and we have yet to completely embrace the Marlins as OUR team. Even myself, who now regularly root for the Marlins as my hometown team, used to root for the Mets when they came to town. Now, I'm teal all the way! I believed in this years Marlins. I watched Spring Training. I knew that Joe Giradi would get these guys to play competitive baseball as the season progressed.
The Marlins of 2006 did not disappoint, as a team. Everyone ruled them out. Everyone forgot how weak the so-called competitive teams in the NL truly are. The Mets bought a team, trying to build a dynasty - like the Yankees - on the back of used-to-be the best players. But this is it for them - 2006 or never. I love Willie Randolph but Omar Mineya is gonna f-ck things up in Queens by bringing in any and every body Latin. (note: The Marlins will sadly regress in 2007 for making the same mistake by choosing Freddie Gonzalez over Giradi. Yes-men don't win championships and there's only one George in baseball.) Besides, there's only one Ozzie Guillen and he's putting his foot in his mouth constantly. Poor guy because I like Ozzie - he has love for the game.
The Cardinals and Tony LaRussa are chokers come playoffs. Nuff said! Houston is caught up in burn-out and steroid controversy - two things that can destroy team chemistry come playoffs. Philly is the only other team worth mentioning and their pitching is suspect. Although, I believe its between them and the Marlins who have the potential to dominate the NL for the next 3-5 years, if managed correctly.
But, back to the subject of fan support in South Florida. If the major fan base is not rooting for the Marlins, what of the others? Well that's the thing. One would think that with such a large Latin population, South Florida would be ideal for baseball. Latins account for 25% of major league players, yet they fail to support the Marlins - and I'm not even calling out the richies. I'm calling out the working class because it is them who support sport franchises. The fresh cut grass, pretzels, hotdogs, beer, roaring fans, the vibration from their stomping feet , the seventh inning stretch, the home-run, the first pitch and the last out. These experiences bring families and friends to the games! Its the experience of the smells, sights and sounds that stimulate the senses.
Yes, we South Florida fans are disappointing. Imagine how more fan support during the season could have accounted for 10 extra wins, a playoff spot and another World Series appearance. Imagine the possibilities, if this team of youngsters had a stadium full of cheering fans through 10 close games. Maybe that extra hit or out would have gone in the Marlins favor.
A lot of maybes and what ifs but still no fans at the games. Me included.