Marlins Fan Extraordinaire: Baseball Tales with Abel Rostran
Baseball transcends borders, generations, and rivalries—a truth brilliantly illuminated in this enlightening conversation with Abel Rostran, a passionate Miami Marlins fan. Abel's journey exemplifies how America's pastime creates lasting connections across diverse backgrounds, from his earliest memories in Nicaragua to raising his daughters as devoted baseball fans in Miami.
You might call it a serendipitous meeting between me and Abel at LoanDepot Park during a Yankees-Marlins series. Abel's unbridled enthusiasm caught my attention immediately—his pre-game ritual of raising his arms and loudly proclaiming "Let's go, Marlins!" set the tone for his infectious energy that makes baseball special. Abel's passion never wavered, despite being surrounded by Yankees fans, especially as the Marlins completed a historic sweep of the Yankees, making them the only MLB team with a winning record against the storied New York franchise.
Abel's baseball journey began in Nicaragua, where baseball reigns supreme as the national pastime. He came to America at age eight and he naturally adopted the Marlins as his team, though he maintains deep respect for the Yankees—a franchise his grandfather supported. His appreciation for baseball's rich history shines through as he discusses legendary moments across different eras, showcasing a knowledge that spans well beyond his own team's achievements. This encyclopedic understanding of the game reveals how deeply baseball is woven into his identity.
Perhaps most touching is Abel's commitment to passing baseball traditions to the next generation. His daughters haven't missed an opening day since birth (except during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season), and he's creating a visual timeline by photographing them in the same stadium location each year. Abel emphasizes that his love for baseball transcends gender—with a son on the way,it's about sharing the joy and community that baseball provides.
The conversation highlights the pioneering women in the Marlins organization, particularly Caroline O'Connor, one of baseball's highest-ranking female executives. Abel expresses pride that his daughters can see women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated roles, emphasizing that positions should go to the most qualified candidates regardless of gender.
Abel's firsthand accounts of the World Baseball Classic capture the international fervor that makes the tournament special. He vividly describes passionate fans from Japan, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic creating atmospheres unlike typical MLB games. His experience watching his native Nicaragua compete added personal significance to an already meaningful international celebration of baseball.
The episode concludes with Abel's Mount Rushmore of Marlins players—Giancarlo "Mike" Stanton, Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle "D-Train" Willis, and Josh Johnson—with a heartfelt honorable mention for José Fernández. Each selection reflects not just statistical achievement but the joy and excitement these players brought to fans.
Throughout the conversation, Abel's perspective illuminates why baseball remains relevant despite changing times—it connects us to our past while building bridges to our future. His story reminds us that baseball isn't just a game; it's a vehicle for joy, family tradition, and community that transcends team allegiances and generational divides.