The Miami Marlins announced that Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis, key figures from the 2003 World Series championship team, will join the 2026 class of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame. The induction honors their significant contributions during their time with the franchise. Ceremonies are scheduled for September 2026.
Nearly 23 years after the Florida Marlins won their second World Series title in 2003, the organization is recognizing two pivotal players from that underdog squad. On Saturday night at FanFest, the Marlins revealed that Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis will be inducted into the 2026 Marlins Legends Hall of Fame. This hall honors former players, coaches, managers, and staff for their achievements with the team and the South Florida community. The inaugural 2025 class featured World Series champions Jeff Conine, Luis Castillo, Jim Leyland, and Jack McKeon.
Beckett, selected second overall in the 1999 MLB Draft, pitched for the Marlins from 2001 to 2005. Despite challenges like blisters, he excelled in 2003 with a 9-8 record and 3.04 ERA over 24 games, including 23 starts. His postseason highlight came in World Series Game 6 against the New York Yankees, where the 23-year-old delivered a shutout on three days' rest, using just 107 pitches. He tagged out Jorge Posada for the final out at Yankee Stadium, marking the only World Series-clinching shutout since 1991.
Willis joined via a March 2002 trade from the Chicago Cubs for Antonio Alfonseca and Matt Clement. Debuting from Double-A Carolina in early May 2003, the 21-year-old "D-Train" captivated fans with his unique delivery. That year, he posted a 14-6 record with a 3.30 ERA in 27 starts, earning National League All-Star selection and Rookie of the Year honors. In 2005, Willis led the majors with 22 wins, seven complete games, and five shutouts, finishing second in NL Cy Young voting. He remains the franchise's only 20-game winner and pitched for the Marlins from 2003 to 2007.
Beckett ranks in the top 10 of Marlins history in categories like bWAR (10.7, eighth), ERA (3.46, second), wins (41, ninth), WHIP (1.235, fourth), K/9 (8.97, first), strikeouts (607, eighth), shutouts (two, tied 10th), ERA+ (118, second), and FIP (3.38, second). Willis holds top-10 spots in bWAR (17.2, third), ERA (3.78, sixth), wins (68, second), WHIP (1.359, 10th), innings pitched (1,022 2/3, third), strikeouts (757, fourth), starts (162, third), complete games (15, first), shutouts (eight, first), ERA+ (111, fourth), and FIP (3.98, ninth).
The inductees will be celebrated in pregame ceremonies on September 6 for Beckett and September 13 for Willis during the 2026 season. Plaques will be displayed in the Marlins Museum on the Legends Level behind home plate.
