LITTLE HAVANA, Fla. – Major League Baseball's "Opening Day" hash tag was trending on Twitter Monday morning, as the Miami Marlins struggled to keep up with Miami sports' team social media followers.
With about 110,000 followers on Twitter, the Marlins surpassed ice hockey Florida Panthers fans on Twitter with 6,000 more followers. But they could not keep up with the Miami Heat's 2.3 million followers and the Miami Dolphins 299,000.
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There were a few faithful fans with renewed optimism Monday. With the "LetsGoFish" hash tag, Diana Alonso challenged the 551,000 Ultra Music Festival followers with her tweet.
Social media account administrators pushed fans to connect on social media, as the team struggled with ticket sales. Opening Day tickets sold for as low as $13 on Groupon.
Miami fans usually cheer for their teams on social media with the "LetsGoFish," "VamosMiami" but today the team wants Twitter's "#GoMarlins" fans to use the "MyMarlinsOpener" hash tag.
The team plans on using the photos that fans share on Instagram to produce short videos. They will share them with their nearly 39,500 followers on the Miami Marlins Instagram.
The limelight on Opening Day is on starter Jose Fernandez. The 21-year-old National League Rookie of the Year will be sharing his happy moments with his Cuban "Abuelita Olga" on Twitter with the "JDF16" hash tag. Fernandez, who stands to make about $635,000 this year, has nearly as many followers as his team does on Instagram.
This year, the rookie of the year's fans will be flashing a bright orange K-Card from the $640 million stadium's sections 29 through 32.
The fans who paid $455.88 for season tickets will get to participate in a meet-and-greet with Fernandez. His fans are also encouraged to dress up like super heroes.