On April 1st, 1997, Jim Leyland won his first game at the helm of the Florida Marlins, a 4-2 victory in Miami over the Chicago Cubs. Kevin Brown twirled seven innings of no run, one hit baseball to earn the win for the Fish. Moises Alou provided power from the plate, finishing 1-4 with a home run and two RBI. Leyland would lead the Marlins to their first ever World Series in 1997, defeating the Cleveland Indians in a seven game series.

     This Official National League Leonard S. Coleman baseball was used during Leyland’s first game with the Marlins. He signed the panel to the south of the sweet spot in blue pen. This ball is heavily inscribed, with “Marlins 4 / Cubs 2 / A41412” inscribed on the sweet spot. To the north panel, “Jim Leyland’s / Florida Marlins / *Win #1* / April 1, 1997 / Pro Player Stadium / Chicago Cubs / WP – Kevin Brown / LP – Terry Mulholland / 2:56” is inscribed in black pen. This ball, which features a Jackie Robinson 50th Anniversary Logo, comes with a COA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (B54338). It also comes with an LOA from Jim Leyland himself.

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