The Florida Marlins and United HealthCare have teamed up this season to offer a bus transport package from the Marlins En Miami store for various Saturday home games, starting April 22 when the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. The package includes bus transportation to and from the game, one terrace box ticket and a food and beverage voucher which can be used at Fiesta Latina, the Marlins pre-game Latin celebration. The cost for the package is $15 and can only be purchased at the Marlins En Miami store starting April 15. Availability is limited to the first 250 fans.

Rick Williams has joined the organization as a Major League Scout. This is Williams’ second tenure with Florida, having served five years in the Marlins organization at both the Major League and Minor League level. Williams served as pitching coach for the Marlins AAA affiliate Charlotte Knights in 1997, was the Marlins’ assistant pitching coach in 1995-96 and served as the Marlins’ minor league pitching instructor in 1993-94. Williams most recently served as the pitching coach for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 1997-2000. In his new position, Williams will have a variety of responsibilities, including evaluating talent and advanced scouting at the Major League level. Williams signed a three-year contract through the 2002 season.

Brad Penny pitched 7 innings allowing 3 runs while striking out 3 as the Marlins hammered the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-5. Eight different Marlins had 2 hits, Cliff Floyd, Preston Wilson, Mike Lowell, and Chris Clapinski all had 2 RBIs. Last season, the Marlins did not win their 9th game until May 11, 1999, their 33rd game.