The Marlins are striving to replicate the success they experienced in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, albeit a year behind schedule.

Permitting spectators to bring musical instruments to matches should have been implemented in the previous season.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic proved to be a remarkable event. While watching the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament at a bar in Los Angeles, I couldn’t help but notice the lively atmosphere as people gathered to watch Mexico face off against Puerto Rico. The excitement was palpable, reminiscent of the fervor surrounding the Chicago Cubs’ World Series victory in 2016.

Before that day, my experience of music at baseball games was limited to organs, walk-up songs, and Charlie Sheen’s iconic entrance to “Wild Thing” in Major League. However, at the Classic, fans were actively engaged, creating a festive atmosphere by playing instruments during the game. It was a refreshing change, and the enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed by sports fans, with five million people tuning in to watch the championship game between the USA and Japan.

Given the positive reception at Loan Depot Park in Miami during the tournament, it would make sense for the Miami Marlins to capitalize on the momentum. Accordingly, the team announced on Thursday that they would permit fans to bring flags and instruments to the ballpark, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the start of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Yet, as is often the case, the Marlins seem to let momentum dwindle rather than sustain it. While I enjoyed the experience at the bar that day, thoughts of the World Baseball Classic faded until I came across @jasminelwatkins’ post about Shohei Ohtani’s decisive victory over Mike Trout, accompanied by a picture of Wesley Snipes’ iconic scene from New Jack City.