“You Hated Me” Amidst Calls for a Return, Former Marlins’ President Reminds Fans of the Treatment He Was Given During His Run

David Samson’s name has always created a polarizing response among baseball fans. While some appreciate his outspoken personality, others don’t agree with the way he presents himself. However, even his naysayers can’t deny that Samson played a significant part in the Miami Marlins’ evolution. The fact that he was the one who dropped the Florida Marlins name in favor of the current one shows just how powerful he once was. But then his tenure ended. That was supposed to be the end of that relationship—until now. 

The Marlins expected to rise to another level after Samson’s departure. With Derek Jeter serving as the CEO, the stage was set for growth. However, Jeter’s entire run proved to be a mixed bag – with some incredible highs and a few big mistakes. That has brought the Marlins to the present state; the team’s revenues are low, payroll is low, and on-field success has been as far as Miami is from LA. Suddenly, fans are calling for Samson’s return, but the former president has some words for them.

During his appearance on the Foul Territory Show, David Samson noted that fans want him back. However, he was sure of one thing: they wouldn’t get him easily. “So many Marlins fans, they all want me to come back out of retirement. But I tell them no, you hated me when I was there. Just because your team stinks now, don’t think that you’re getting me back that easily,” Samson said.

However, Samson did say he misses Florida in winter but the former executive had no intentions of returning. He noted that the Marlins are currently not headed anywhere and as a result, the trade of Luis Arraez was a sensible decision. However, while that may be true, it’s still tough to understand just how deep the issue runs in the Marlins.

Just last season, the team surprisingly made it to the playoffs. While few expected them to repeat such a performance, even fewer expected them to collapse like they did this season. Is there a way out for the Marlins? 

David Samson believes the Miami Marlins lost even before the season began

The former president stated that he believes the “Marlines were eliminated before opening day.”  Samson noted that last season could’ve been an outlier as the Fish just couldn’t recreate the pitching or fitness form that they found themselves at in 2023. However, the biggest issue has always been the lack of revenue for the team. Lack of on-field success has led to a decline in fans attending the games. That has cut into the Marlins’ profits.

“They’re not getting the increase in revenue. That’s a far bigger issue than Bruce Sherman saying, ‘oh I’m purposely not going to spend money or win.’ He just realizes there’s no money to spend because there’s no revenue,” Samson said. Does that mean that the Marlins will remain mediocre like they are right now?  There’s no clear answer to that. Multiple teams have managed to stay successful despite low revenues (look at the Tampa Bay Rays). But for that, they need a well-functioning farm or a sound strategy—the Miami Marlins are lacking in both currently. Until the team can figure that out, the Fish will continue to find it hard to swim with the sharks.