Miami is well-known for being a sports epicentre like no other. Florida has always had a lot to offer sports fans looking for sheer talent from the NFL to the NBA. In fact, there are plenty of stand-out sporting moments over the years that the city can be proud of.
We’ve rounded up some of the most triumphant moments in Miami’s sporting scrapbook. Maybe some of your own favourites are below – read on for the full lowdown.
The Marlins Take the Yankees
Pitching the Miami Marlins up against the New York Yankees in the World Series was, to most, a foregone conclusion. However, 2003’s series ran completely against the grain.
Who could have predicted that the Marlins would not only triumph against the mighty Yankees – but on their home turf? While Miami’s not exactly replicated the magic series again since it shows that anything can happen. And the crowd went wild.
The Dolphins Secure Marino
Anyone who knows their stuff about NFL will recognize Dan Marino as one of the most iconic QBs of all time. Whether you’re avidly into Florida sports betting or only watch football on and off, he’s a name you’ll know.
It was in 1983 when the Miami Dolphins made one of their best drafts of all time. Marino would stay with the team for a barnstorming 17 seasons. Without him, they wouldn’t have held as firm as they did. They never won a Super Bowl with Marino in the line-up, but the relationship is strong.
Even now, Marino still serves as an advisor to the Dolphins, almost eight years running.
Muhammad Ali Makes History in Miami
Beyond Miami’s teams, it’s in Miami Beach where Cassius Clay took his first step towards the boxing hall of fame. It’s here where, in 1964, Clay stepped up to the plate and took on the seemingly unstoppable Sonny Liston.
Clay – aged 22 – did the unthinkable. One evening, the relative unknown decided to put his all into taking on Liston – and pulled off the win. Down in Miami Beach Convention Center, Muhammad Ali was born – he’d go on to be the Greatest of All Time.
‘The Decision’
For NBA fans, ‘The Decision’ remains a pivotal moment – not only for Miami Heat followers, either. By 2011, the Heat had already brought Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade on board for a formidable side. But what about completing the trifecta?
LeBron James was, at this point, just getting started. Therefore, when ESPN revealed in an exclusive interview that the star would be heading to Miami – the fans went nuclear. This only helped to transform the Heat into even more of a powerhouse – and ‘The Decision’ remains a watershed moment.
The Heat’s First Major Triumph
However, we need to travel back a few years to sample the heady heights of the Heat’s NBA history. In 2006, Wade, of course, was already firmly in place – but this was also the era of the Shaq Attack.
It was in the 2006 finals that Wade and O’Neal helped the Heat to claim their first-ever Championship. This would be the first of three Championship wins for the side so far – however, this one was a long time coming.
The Heat had won divisions and conferences – and they continue to – but since forming in 1988, 2006 was a watershed. Eighteen years to win a Championship is pretty patient! While the Heat haven’t claimed a Championship since 2013, there’s nothing to say they’re off the winners’ roster for good. Let’s not make it another 18 years.
