By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
The Miami Marlins inducted Elon resident Jack McKeon into the organization’s inaugural class of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame earlier this month.
He guided the Marlins to the 2003 World Series championship as part of a long and decorated career connected to Major League Baseball.
McKeon, 94, had a full day of activities at the ballpark in Miami.
“2003 was a very special season, especially for south Florida,” McKeon said during a press availability prior to the ceremony. “We brought that area alive, so much joy. The fans were so proud.”
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Then known as the Florida Marlins, McKeon was hired in May 2003 to take over for fired Jeff Torborg. The team blossomed under McKeon’s guidance and went on to the championship in October, topping the New York Yankees in six games in the World Series.
“The fans pushed us all the way,” McKeon told reporters at this month’s gathering. “I hope they’ll do that same thing with this young exciting team that they have here now.”
McKeon became part of the inaugural class in the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame, with four induction ceremonies spread throughout the season. The others in the class are ex-manager Jim Leyland and former players Jeff Conine and Luis Castillo.
McKeon’s induction came amid a series with the Yankees. There also was a McKeon bobblehead produced for the occasion, with 8,000 giveaways at the game.
McKeon went through a heavy schedule of activities.
During his acceptance speech, he said the team’s 2003 players “were like biscuits. When the heat came on, they rose to the occasion.”
He ended those remarks by saying, “God bless you, and thanks for the memories.”
McKeon threw out a ceremonial first pitch and greeted fans during photo opportunities set up at the ballpark.
He told a television audience during an in-game interview: “I’m so old, I can remember Preparation A.”
He was accompanied by family members, including wife, Carol, and children.
The former manager shared stories throughout the weekend.
In one of those, he provided a detail about his thoughts after the final out was recorded in the Marlins’ World Series championship. At the time, he remembered what former San Diego Padres owner Ray Kroc, who was his boss when he worked for the Padres, had told him years ago.
“Dreams do come true,” McKeon said of Kroc’s message.
