Derek Jeter just got his 64th win of the season.
Jeter got his biggest victory of the season Tuesday, when a unanimous vote by the Art in Public Places board of Miami-Dade County meant the end of the seven-story high “home run” sculpture beyond the left-center-field fence at Marlins Park.
Jeter had been attempting to rid the wildly colorful, laughably and lovably kitsch staple of the park since at least January, as he puts his own stamp on what he wants the Marlins franchise to look like.
The team’s logo itself is on the outs, too. According to Slater Scoops, the Marlins are tweaking their avatar, with the Marlin staying put but a differently stylized “M” and more blue. (Michigan blue, perhaps?)
As has been the case for more than a year, since Jeter’s group purchased the team, nothing is safe. The area vacated by the outfield sculpture, which illuminates with every Marlins home run, is expected to be filled by a multi-story, standing-room area aimed to appeal to younger fans.
RIPAPThe sculpture, which was commissioned for $2.5 million by former Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria for when the ballpark opened in 2012, will be part of an art walk outside the stadium.
“We appreciate the support and collaboration for our proposal from the county and the Art in Public Places trust,” the Marlins said in a statement. They added the new location “will allow the piece to be enjoyed year round in a more public-facing manner.”
Red Grooms, who designed the sculpture, opposed the movement of the piece, according to the Miami Herald. He and Jeter reportedly met last month.
–With Field Level Media



