Marlins Follow the Leader Right Into the Fall Classic

Tough guy that he is, Jim Leyland doesn’t quit.

The first-year Florida Marlin manager remains focused no matter the situation, and his players realize they had better as well. Or else.

Leyland won’t tolerate anything less than complete dedication, because he expects that of himself. And fortunately for South Florida, the Marlins haven’t disappointed Leyland.

They have followed their intense leader’s lead, overcoming obstacles because Leyland told them they could. An appearance in the World Series is the Marlins’ reward.

The National League champions will host the American League champion Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the Series on Saturday night at Pro Player Stadium. The Marlins credit Leyland for getting them this far, although he doesn’t want to hear such talk.

“I’m not out there hitting, or pitching or fielding,” said Leyland, whose team finished second in the NL East at 92-70 and earned the wild-card playoff berth.

“The players are the ones who play the games. I’m just doing my part.”

Which is much bigger than Leyland admits, the Marlins say.

“There isn’t a guy in this clubhouse who doesn’t realize what he means to this team,” first baseman Jeff Conine said. “He’s the guy who makes everything work. When you talk about what we’ve been through and how we got through it, you have to look at him as the reason.”

The fifth-year Marlins reached the World Series faster than any other expansion franchise. But they traveled a hard road to get here.

Florida faced down injury and illness during the NL championship series against the Atlanta Braves. The Marlins lost standout right-hander Alex Fernandez because of a torn rotator cuff, ace right-hander Kevin Brown was slowed by a stomach virus and star outfielder Moises Alou by a sprained left wrist.

Those problems could have been reason enough for the Marlins to panic, or at least let down mentally. But then they would have had to deal with Leyland.

Behind closed doors, Leyland repeatedly assured the Marlins that they would defeat the Braves. And they believed.

“Jim instilled spirit in our guys,” said Fernandez, who will undergo surgery after the World Series. “Jim never stopped believing in us and in what he knew we could do.

“With Jim, you know it’s not just talk., He really believed that we would beat the Braves, even with all the [adversity]. Jim just kept telling us we would win.”

The Marlins knocked off the Braves in six games in the best-of-seven series. Leyland’s ability to keep the Marlins headed in the right direction was a key, Marlin General Manager Dave Dombrowski said.

“I’ve known Jim well for a long time, and the thing about him is, he always keeps his focus,” Dombrowski said. “Jim is a very tough individual, one of the toughest people I have ever met.

“Nothing is ever too large a distraction for Jim. He was able to keep the players’ minds on what they had to do with the people available.”

Leyland said there isn’t any magic to his managerial style. He believes in hard work, commitment to the team and, above all, mental toughness.

“You can’t give up when things aren’t going your way,” Leyland said. “You can’t make excuses if you have problems because no one cares about your problems. You still have to go out and do the job.

“Everyone in [the Marlin clubhouse] knows that’s how I feel. That’s the way I am and that’s what I expect from our players.”

The Marlins are into Leyland’s program. Totally.

“It’s great playing for him because he’s always straight with you,” rookie left-hander Tony Saunders said. “He won’t just talk to you when you’re going good, he also gets on you when you’re going bad.

“He lets you know what he expects from you at all times. You never have to guess where you stand with him. I just respect the guy so much.”

Success also tends to produce respect, and Leyland, 52, is one of the game’s most successful managers. Leyland led the Pittsburgh Pirates to three consecutive NL East titles from 1990-92.

This is obviously the Marlins’ best season. Leyland’s record is 942-931 in 12 seasons.

Though he downplays it, Leyland is widely considered one of the game’s best strategists, renowned in managing circles for his ability to determine, and exploit, the correct matchups late in games.

“He’s just an extremely knowledgeable baseball man,” said Marlin reserve infielder John Wehner, who also played for Leyland in Pittsburgh.

“I’ve been with this guy for seven years now, but it still never ceases to amaze me how he always pushes the right buttons. You learn so much just being around the guy. His mind is amazing.”

Leyland has survived for 31 years in the game on his wits. He said he had to, because he couldn’t have made it on his athletic ability.

A catcher, Leyland spent six seasons in the minor leagues--and never batted higher than .240.

In 1970, Leyland got his first job coaching in the minor leagues. In 1985, he served briefly as a coach for Chicago White Sox Manager Tony La Russa. Leyland was hired by the Pirates in 1986.

Leyland said he enjoyed his 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, but he felt forced to leave when management dismantled the team to save money. The Marlins signed Leyland to a five-year contract last October.

“I’m very happy here and my family is happy,” Leyland said. “The players have worked hard for me and that’s all I ask of them.”

That, and to always keep fighting.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

1997 World Series

Cleveland vs. Florida

Channel 4

Saturday: at Florida, 5 p.m.

Sunday: at Florida, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday: at Cleveland, 5:20 p.m.

Wed.: at Cleveland, 5:20 p.m.

Thurs.: at Cleveland, 5:20 p.m.*

Oct. 25: at Florida, 5 p.m.*

Oct. 26: at Florida, 4:35 p.m.*

* If necessary