Miami Marlins

[Jim]

Does anyone remember the Miami Marlins from the '50s? They were a Triple A affiliate of the Phillies. Wondering if anyone knows whatever became of some of the guys who played on those teams. Specifically, Woody Smith, Chuck Ortel, Bobby Valentine, Don Landrum, Frank Herrera, Johnny Bucha, Don Cardwell, etc.

[LouGehrig]

I remember them. Satchel Paige played for them. Valentine just got relieved of his duties in New York.

[Jim]

You are correct about Satchel Paige playing for the Miami Marlins, but unfortunately wrong about Bobby Valentine. The Valentine who played for the Marlins was an outfielder (center) and he was also a black man. We are talking about a baseball team from approximately 45 years back. The newly-departed Mets manager is not old enough to have played Triple A baseball that long ago.

[jellyfish]

That's what YOU think, Jim! I'll let you in on something. Bobby Valentine is older than you think. He lied about his age, just like his fellow Miami Marlin, Vernon "Satchel" Page.

[0077]

In 1957 a Pitcher by the name of Don Cardwell made his ML debut with the Phillies. Three years later he got traded to the Cards and a within two or three days after the trade pitched a No-Hitter against the Team that traded him.

[jellyfish]

Beg to differ, but Cardwell was traded to the Cubs, not the Cardinals, and he pitched that no-hitter at Wrigley Field. How do I know? Because I was there when it happened. I was just a teenager, and all the fans were swarming around Cardwell outside of Wrigley. He was totally mobbed! It was lots of fun, and I'll never forget it.

[Jim]

Bobby Valentine may or may not have lied about his age, but certainly he can't lie about his skin color. Even wearing a trenchcoat in the dugout would be of no avail.

[0077]

Jellyfish is right. Cardwell got traded to the Cubs and pitched against the St. Louis Cardinals.

May 13, 1960: Two days after being traded from the Phillies to the Cubs, Don Cardwell pitches a no-hitter. A brilliant, leaping catch of Carl Sawatski's drive by RF George Altman in the 8th inning saves Cardwell's gem. Ernie Banks' home run paces the
4–0 win, the first no-hitter against the Cards since May 11, 1919.

[bigreg]

Woody Smith Miami Marlins!!

Woody Smith was one of the best 3rd baseman in the 50's, he was with Miami 56-60, was an all-star each year and MVP of the Marlins 3 times!!! Those teams had Satchel Paige and Pancho Herrera, and Dallas Green on them. Woody later managed the class A marlins in 69,70 (then turned into the O's) 71, & 72. He won 4 straight FSL titles!!! what a winning record!!! Then the Baltimore Organization fired him!!! Can you believe that??? How do I know all this?? Woody was my father. He passed away Feb 04. He was a truely great baseball person and mind. He spent his entire life in baseball, he signed in 1946, played till 1962, then from 69-81 managed and then till the mid 90"s scouted. It was his life. He played winter ball in the islands all thru the 50's. He played for Havana in 56 and knew Castro very well!! Any questions about those Miami teams, I can surely help with the answers!! thanks for reading this. I am one of Woodys son's, Reggie. I was fortunate enough to be drafted in 76 and play 2 years in the minors, and my second year, my Dad was the manager, 1977 Waterloo Indians, We also won the 2nd half of the league that year!! Dad was a winner!!!

[DENNIS GOVEKAR]

Woody Held Was Their Shortstop, He Palyed A Few Years In The Majors With The Indians. I Played Little League Baseball There In Miami Stadium In Afew Championship Games In The Early 60's.

[Rickmac]

I remember the Marlins very well. The Valentine you guys are trying to identify is Fred Valentine, a center fielder (good speed, nothing else). Woody Smith was a huge fan favorite. I remember him playing a little for the class A Marlins that he managed when he was short of infielders because of a rash of injuries, probably 1969.

[RedSoxVT92]

Does anyone remember the Miami Marlins from the '50s? They were a Triple A affiliate of the Phillies. Wondering if anyone knows whatever became of some of the guys who played on those teams. Specifically, Woody Smith, Chuck Ortel, Bobby Valentine, Don Landrum, Frank Herrera, Johnny Bucha, Don Cardwell, etc.

probably the only one of those guys on that list who were "succsessfull" was Don Cardwell. Pitched in the Majors for 14 years. Had a 102-138 record with a 3.92 era. Not to shabby. The others were either career minor leaugers or scrubs in the majors.

[NancyFoyeCox]

Miami Marlins

I remember the AAA Marlins very well. I spent a lot of time at Miami Stadium with my uncle Joe Ryan, who was their second general manager, in the 1950s. George Storer bought the team from Bill Veeck. Hall of Famer Pepper Martin was one of their managers back then. I remember all those guys you have mentioned, especially Satchel Paige. Sonny Hirsch, who eventually owned the AA or A Marlins, was a batboy for the team back in the 1950s. NANCY FOYE-COX

[SusanDurney]

Reggie...your dad certainly was a winner...and my first little-girl crush! My dad, Bill Durney, was not only the GM, but a friend of your dad's. I remember you, your brother, and your beautiful mother well. What great times we had in that classic ballpark! When my dad passed so suddenly, and way too soon, your dad helped me get through that. He was managing the club at the time. Woody Smith was a great ballplayer, skipper, and gentleman. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I can only imagine the stories he and my dad are sharing in the great ballyard in the sky! My very best to you and your family.
I'd love to hear from you.

[joekars]

Woody Smith was one of the best 3rd baseman in the 50's, he was with Miami 56-60, was an all-star each year and MVP of the Marlins 3 times!!! Those teams had Satchel Paige and Pancho Herrera, and Dallas Green on them. Woody later managed the class A marlins in 69,70 (then turned into the O's) 71, & 72. He won 4 straight FSL titles!!! what a winning record!!! Then the Baltimore Organization fired him!!! Can you believe that??? How do I know all this?? Woody was my father. He passed away Feb 04. He was a truely great baseball person and mind. He spent his entire life in baseball, he signed in 1946, played till 1962, then from 69-81 managed and then till the mid 90"s scouted. It was his life. He played winter ball in the islands all thru the 50's. He played for Havana in 56 and knew Castro very well!! Any questions about those Miami teams, I can surely help with the answers!! thanks for reading this. I am one of Woodys son's, Reggie. I was fortunate enough to be drafted in 76 and play 2 years in the minors, and my second year, my Dad was the manager, 1977 Waterloo Indians, We also won the 2nd half of the league that year!! Dad was a winner!!!

I hope you can help. My Father left me a Rawlings Miami Marlins Baseball. It is signed by a number of people. A few of the names are Jose Santiago, Ray Sanford,Dick Brown and others that are hard to read. I am not a hardcore Baseball fan, but am interested in the history of this ball. I know it is from the 50's. Thanks.
I don't even know how to use this site. But thought I would give it a try.