Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the passing of H. Wayne Huizenga, the founding owner of the Florida Marlins, at the age of 80:
"Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Huizenga. Wayne played a pivotal role in bringing the Marlins to South Florida more than a quarter-century ago and his leadership brought a World Championship season in 1997, the franchise's fifth year of existence. More important than Wayne's great success in business was his extraordinary philanthropy, which impacted many people and improved communities."