The first-ever World Series game ever played in the state of Florida occurred on October 18, 1997 at Miami's Pro Player Stadium as the Florida Marlins defeated the Cleveland Indians, 7-4 en route to their first-ever world championship. This was the actual baseball used for the first pitch of that opening game, thrown by Livan Hernandez, who also kept it in his possession. The official 1997 World Series ball shows use, is signed by Hernandez and also comes with a signed LOA from the NLCS and World Series MVP. Written on the ball is: "GAME #1 * FIRST PITCH * OCTOBER 18, 1997 PRO PLAYER STADIUM CLEVELAND INDIANS 5.2 INNINGS, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 STRIKEOUTS WP-HERNANDEZ LP-HERSHISER 8:10 PM MARLINS 7 INDIANS 4 T-3:19."