Make-A-Wish Foundation teen becomes Marlins manager for a day
The Miami Marlins made Micah Goeman's dream come true.
Goeman's wish was to be a major-league manager, and on Tuesday the Marlins, along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, gave him that chance. The 18-year-old Indiana native was named the team's manager for the day, and was even signed to a one-day contract at Marlins Park.
The @Marlins get some new leadership Tuesday with Micah Goeman stepping into some managerial duties.https://t.co/IxpgyVrFJV
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) July 26, 2016
Make no mistake, this role was not ceremonial in nature. Goeman was given some important responsibilities by Don Mattingly and his coaching staff, including choosing the lineup.
"He lobbied for Ichiro (to lead off) today," Mattingly told reporters. "He didn't like (Marcell) Ozuna today."
Once his official duties were taken care of, Micah got the chance to mingle with Marlins players, who were delighted to meet their new skipper. Jose Fernandez gave him an autographed bat, while Martin Prado awarded him a fresh wristband.
Micah meets Mike. Time to take the field! @makeawishsfla pic.twitter.com/sVZKB5kzwJ
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 26, 2016
Micah then delivered the Marlins' lineup card to the umpires before the game began.
Tonight's managers: Don and Micah! #MarlinsAyudan pic.twitter.com/HMRZ7BmNrk
— Marlins Ayudan (@MarlinsAyudan) July 26, 2016
"It's been great for Micah because he loves sports, and he's sharp in his mind," Micah's father, Rob Goeman, told Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. "He understands everything. He watches it all the time. He knows who the players are. He knows what is going on, but he's never seen baseball from the inside, getting to know the team, and the manager, and how all the positions work."