Marlins fans angry after players fail to show at event

No players appeared at Thursday's 'Fish 'N Chips" event at Marlins Park

MIAMI – Despite their team being practical no-shows on the field over the last week, the support of hardcore Marlins fans never wavered.

But the players apparently returned the favor Thursday night by being no-shows at a charity event that was promoted as a place where "you rub elbows with your favorite Marlins players, coaches and alumni."

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Now the fans are saying the Marlins have struck out.

The team's 'Fish 'N Chips' casino party at Marlins Park was held to raise money for the Marlins Foundation with fans paying up to $175 per couple to attend.

Despite the promise of player appearances on the invitation, attendees tweeted out that not a single player was seen. A Marlins team official said that players' attendance is voluntary, but many have shown up in the past to partake in previous events.

On Friday afternoon, Herald reporter Manny Navarro tweeted out a quote from Marlins president David Samson.

"The foundation events are very important to us and of course I'm disappointed no players were there," said Samson. "I think win or lose what we do in the community matters most. Obviously we want to win more and they're working very hard to win. But from my standpoint when you have a commitment with the community you got to do it."

The team is currently in the midst of a 7-game losing streak and still getting adjusted to new manager Dan Jennings. Jennings, who also serves as the team's general manager, was named manager on May 17 after the Marlins fired Mike Redmond.

Jennings and his coaches did appear at the charity event.

The Marlins host Baltimore tonight at 7:10 p.m.