![]() 17, 1992) was another key date- can’t have a team without players! A case could be made for the opening of spring training camp, or the first spring training game-ample proof that a near-term baby can survive outside the womb. Most fans would designate the birth date of their team as the first regular season game, though an argument could be made for the approval of the franchise application (in this case, June 10, 1991) or the approval of the league owners (July 5, 1991). Major League Baseball, ever mindful of maintaining that precious antitrust exemption, sat up and listened when heavy-hitting politicos spoke. Tim Wirth was the point man for the group, which also included future U.S. The 1993 round of expansion can largely be attributed to the Senate Task Force on Major League Expansion during the 1980s. Actually, “awarded” might not be the right word, as the Rockies and Marlins had to pay $95 million each for the privilege of joining the league. In a formal sense, they were conceived when they were awarded National League franchises in 1991. In a sense, the Rockies and the Marlins were conceived many years ago by any number of serious baseball folk in Denver and Miami who figured they were ready to move up to major league status. Like human beings, expansion teams have a conception and a birth. I offer into evidence Exhibits 1 and 2: the Colorado Rockies and the Miami (née Florida) Marlins who came into the world 20 years ago. Their rates of development may vary widely. From day one, comparisons between the two peers are inevitable, but it must be remembered that they are not identical twins. They come into the world in pairs at the same time and under similar circumstances. Expansion teams are linked together like fraternal twins.
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