Josh Beckett, Dontrelle Willis to Join Marlins Legends Hall of Fame
The Marlins are continuing to honor their past in a big way-and this year, two of the biggest names from the franchise’s most iconic run are getting their due.
At the team’s annual FanFest at loanDepot park, the Marlins announced that Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis, two cornerstones of the 2003 World Series team, will be inducted into the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame. Their plaques will join those of the inaugural class in the stadium’s museum, a growing tribute to the players and figures who’ve helped shape the club’s identity over the years.
This marks the second class of honorees since the Hall was established, a move the organization made to better recognize the people who’ve left a lasting impact on both the team and the South Florida community. As Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman put it, “We are proud to create a deserving tribute for legends who have played integral roles in shaping our franchise.”
And few names resonate with Marlins fans quite like Beckett and Willis.
Josh Beckett: The Ace Who Sealed the Deal
Beckett’s time with the Marlins was relatively short-just five seasons-but his impact was anything but. A first-round draft pick and the club’s most decorated homegrown arm, Beckett became the face of the rotation during the early 2000s. His regular-season numbers were solid, but it was in October 2003 that he truly etched his name into franchise lore.
In five postseason starts that year, Beckett was flat-out dominant. The defining moment came in Game 6 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, where he shut down a powerhouse New York lineup with a complete-game masterpiece to clinch the championship.
It wasn’t just a great performance-it was a statement. That kind of poise, on that stage, at just 23 years old?
That’s the stuff legends are made of.
Dontrelle Willis: The D-Train That Captivated a City
If Beckett was the firepower, Willis was the spark plug. Known for his high leg kick, infectious energy, and electric stuff, Willis burst onto the scene in 2003 and immediately became a fan favorite. He went 14-6 with a 3.30 ERA as a rookie, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors and playing a key role in the Marlins’ championship run.
But it wasn’t just the numbers-it was the vibe. Willis brought a joy and charisma to the mound that resonated across South Florida.
Over five seasons with the club, he made 162 starts, posted a 3.78 ERA, and earned two All-Star nods. His 2005 campaign, in particular, was a standout, when he led the league with 22 wins and finished second in Cy Young voting.
For many fans, the image of Willis bounding off the mound, flashing that signature smile, is as much a part of Marlins history as any big hit or postseason highlight.
Honoring the '03 Legacy
Beckett and Willis now join a growing list of franchise greats in the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame. Last year’s inaugural class featured Luis Castillo, Jeff Conine, Jim Leyland, and Jack McKeon-three of whom were also part of that 2003 championship squad.
It’s clear the club is leaning into its most successful era, and rightfully so. That team captured lightning in a bottle, and its key figures continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
Mark Your Calendars
The celebrations will take place later this season, with Beckett’s induction ceremony set for September 6 and Willis’ following on September 13. As part of the festivities, the first 10,000 fans at each game will receive commemorative bobbleheads-a fitting keepsake for two players who helped deliver the franchise its second World Series title.
In a sport that often moves fast and forgets even faster, it’s good to see the Marlins taking time to honor the players who made history. Beckett and Willis didn’t just win-they helped define an era. And now, they’ll be remembered as legends where it all began.