Marlins’ fans get loud with vuvuzela-like horns

The Marlins tried to create a World Cup atmosphere on Saturday by handing out air horns that resemble the much-talked-about vuvuzelas.

MLB.com reports the first 15,000 people to come to Sun Life Stadium received the horns, and they haven’t been shy about using them. The noise prompted players and umpires to wear ear plugs.

"We … looked at the timing and knew this would be in the heart of the World Cup," said Sean Flynn, Marlins vice president of marketing. "We knew the vuvuzelas would be a big part of the World Cup in South Africa." 

The horns were part of a club promotion that included a postgame concert.

Florida is playing in-state rival Tampa Bay, whose fans gained notoriety two years ago by introducing cowbells to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

Early reviews of the horns were mixed. A quick sample via Twitter:

"Here @ marlins-rays on vuvuzela nite. Somebody pass the Tylenol." — Mike Berardino, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"All that is missing are ole ole ole ole chants." — Joe Frisaro, MLB.com

"Confession: I kinda love the vuvuzelas at the Marlins-Rays game." — SN columnist Will Leitch

"Let baseball be baseball and soccer be soccer." — Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, one of the earplug wearers (per Frisaro)

The horns had time to grow on people, however: The Rays beat the Marlins, 9-8, in 11 innings and 4 hours, 36 minutes.