The Marlins had baseball's lowest player-payroll in 2008-09, but they made significant profits.
Florida team president David Samson says the income was needed to ensure being able to borrow money for a new ballpark.
The Marlins netted $49 million during the two seasons, with operating income of $37.8 million in 2008 and $11.1 million in 2009, according to documents obtained by Deadspin.com.
"It was critical for us as a team to make sure we had enough money to put into the ballpark," Samson said.
The Marlins had the lowest player payroll in the major leagues both seasons -- $22 million in 2008 and $37 million in 2009.
Marlins Defend Profits Despite Small Payroll