This Day in Baseball History

1997 - Marlins win first World Series in franchise history 

The series no one wants provides an ending no one imagined. 

The Florida Marlins and Cleveland Indians, both small-market teams, face off in the 1997 World Series. After splitting the first six games, the series is set for a seventh and deciding game in Miami. 

Indians closer Jose Mesa takes the mound with a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth, trying to hold on for Cleveland's third championship in franchise history. Moises Alou singles to lead off the inning and eventually advances to third. With one out and runners on the corners, Craig Counsell hits a deep fly ball to right, allowing Alou to score and tie the game, forcing extra innings. 

Cleveland manager Mike Hargrove brings starter Charles Nagy in for the 11th inning. The three-time All-Star almost induces a pair of double plays in the inning, but the Indians are unable to capitalize, setting the stage for Marlins shortstop Edgar Renteria. With the bases loaded and two outs, the 20-year-old Renteria - in his second season in the majors - singles up the middle to score Counsell for the World Series-winning hit. 

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

It's the first World Series in the Marlins' five-year history. 

Birthdays

1949 - Mike Hargrove
1969 - Mark Sweeney
1983 - Francisco Liriano