Watch The Franchise: A Season With the Miami Marlins

The Franchise: A Season With the Miami Marlins was a documentary TV series produced by Showtime Sports in 2012. The show revolved around the Miami Marlins, a Major League Baseball team. The first season of the show featured the Marlins in their first season in the newly built Marlins Park. The team had undergone significant changes, with a new manager, a new name, new uniforms, and a new logo. The Marlins had also signed several high-profile players, including shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher Mark Buehrle. However, the star of the show was undoubtedly Giancarlo Stanton, who was one of the most promising young players in the league.

The show followed the Marlins throughout the 2012 season, documenting the highs and lows of the team as they tried to make the playoffs. It featured interviews with players and coaches, behind-the-scenes footage of the team, and game highlights. The show also explored the personal lives of some of the players, including Stanton, who was dealing with the pressure of being a rising star in the league.

One of the highlights of the show was the season opener, which featured the Marlins playing against the St. Louis Cardinals in the brand new Marlins Park. The show captured the excitement of the fans as they witnessed the first game in the new stadium. The park was designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, complete with a retractable roof and a massive aquarium behind home plate.

Throughout the season, the Marlins faced a number of challenges, including a losing streak in May and injuries to several key players. The show captured the frustration of the team as they struggled to turn their season around. However, the Marlins also had their moments of triumph, including a memorable game against the Washington Nationals in August, where Stanton hit two home runs and the Marlins won 9-0.

Another major storyline in the show was the relationship between Stanton and his hitting coach, Tino Martinez. Martinez was a former player and All-Star who had joined the Marlins as a coach in 2012. He quickly formed a bond with Stanton and was instrumental in helping him develop as a player. The show explored their relationship and the impact that Martinez had on Stanton's career.

The season finale of the show was a dramatic one, as the Marlins faced the Philadelphia Phillies in their final game of the season. The Marlins needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they were trailing 4-1 going into the ninth inning. The show captured the tension of the game as the Marlins mounted a comeback, scoring three runs to tie the game. However, their efforts were ultimately in vain, as the Phillies scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to win the game and eliminate the Marlins from playoff contention.

Overall, The Franchise: A Season With the Miami Marlins was a fascinating look behind the scenes of a Major League Baseball team. The show provided a unique perspective on the players and coaches and gave fans an inside look at what it takes to compete at the highest level of professional sports. With Giancarlo Stanton as its star, the show was a must-watch for any baseball fan in 2012.