The 2006 Florida Marlins season was the 14th in Marlins franchise history; an American Major League Baseball team based in Miami Gardens, Florida. They finished the season in fourth place in the National League East Division. They are notable for greatly exceeding expectations and remaining close in the Wild Card race until September, despite having the lowest payroll in the Major Leagues and using primarily rookies and low priced veterans. They also became the first team in MLB history to be at least 20 games under .500 (11-31), and end up at least a game over .500 (69-68) in the same season. The team ultimately fell short of a Wild Card berth, and failed to make the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season.