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Jeff Conine
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Jeff Conine
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Jeffrey Guy Conine (/ˈkoʊnaɪn/; born June 27, 1966) is an American former professional baseball left fielder / first baseman and current front office assistant for the Miami Marlins, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 17 seasons, with six teams.[1] An inaugural member of the Florida Marlins who was with the franchise for both of its World Series titles, he was nicknamed "Mr. Marlin" for his significant history with the club.[2]

Key Information

Conine was born in Tacoma, Washington, played baseball at UCLA, and was drafted in the 58th round of the 1987 Major League Baseball draft by the Kansas City Royals. After two cup of coffee stints with the Royals, Conine was selected by the Marlins in the 1992 Major League Baseball expansion draft. Becoming the team's first star, he played five seasons with the Marlins, earning the most valuable player award at the 1995 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and was part of the World Series-winning team in 1997.

A victim of a fire sale after the 1997 season, Conine was traded back to the Royals and then to the Baltimore Orioles. Traded back to the Marlins in 2003, he helped the team win a second World Series title. He remained with the team until 2005, returning to the Orioles as a free agent. He became a journeyman outfielder near the end of his career, signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Marlins in 2008. He was the first Marlin inducted into the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame in 2025.

Early career

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Conine played college baseball at UCLA, where he was originally a relief pitcher.[3] In the summer of 1986, he won a Cape Cod Baseball League title with the Orleans Cardinals.[4] He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 58th round of the 1987 Major League Baseball draft as a first baseman.[5] Prior to the draft, Conine was considered a mediocre pitching prospect with a high earned run average and a "decent" slider.[3] He only had one plate appearance as a member of the Bruins, and was hit by a pitch. A recommendation by Royals scout and former UCLA pitching coach Guy Hansen led Conine to be drafted, when Hansen told Royals general manager John Schuerholz that the best hitter on UCLA's team "was a pitcher".[3] After three minor league seasons, in which Conine batted .290 with 39 home runs and 214 runs batted in, he joined the Royals as a September call-up in 1990. He returned to the minors for two more seasons, and learned to play the outfield with the Omaha Royals before returning to the majors late in the 1992 season.

Professional baseball career

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Florida Marlins (1993–1997)

[edit]

Conine was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 1992 Major League Baseball expansion draft, and converted into a full-time left fielder. Though the Marlins narrowly avoided 100 losses, Conine emerged as a star. He went four-for-four in his first game as a Marlin in a 6–3 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.[6] Conine played the full 162 game schedule in left field his rookie season. He batted .292 with 12 home runs and 79 RBIs to earn a third-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year balloting.[1]

The following season, Conine was batting .313 with 13 home runs and 64 runs batted at mid-season and earned his first All-Star selection. He finished the strike shortened 1994 season with a career high .319 batting average, 18 home runs and 82 RBIs.[1] During the strike, Conine returned to the Marlins' Instructional League affiliate in Brevard County, Florida, to learn third base.[7]

The experiment never materialized, and Conine returned to left field once play resumed in 1995. He batted .340 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs in June to earn National League Player of the Month honors and his second consecutive All-Star nod. In his only career All-Star Game at-bat, he hit a go-ahead pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning and won the MVP award.[8] For the season, he finished fourth in the league with a career-high 105 RBIs with a .302 batting average and 25 home runs. In 1996, Conine had 26 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a .293 batting average.[1]

1997 World Series Champions

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Newly hired Marlins manager Jim Leyland shifted Conine back to first base in 1997, as the club had acquired free agent Moisés Alou to play left field. The Marlins finished second to the Atlanta Braves in the National League East by nine games, winning the wild card with a 92–70 record. After sweeping the San Francisco Giants in the 1997 National League Division Series,[9] the Marlins defeated their division rival Braves in the 1997 National League Championship Series, four games to two. Conine's seventh inning single provided the game-winning RBI in game five of the series.[10]

The Marlins beat Cleveland in a seven-game World Series to break the 1969 New York Mets' record as the youngest expansion franchise to ever win a World Series title. Conine batted .214 with no home runs, three RBIs and five runs scored in his first postseason. Immediately after winning the World Series, Marlins owner Wayne Huizenga dismantled his club, claiming financial losses despite having won the World Series. As part of the "fire sale" of his franchise's best players, Conine was shipped back to the Kansas City Royals for minor league pitcher Blaine Mull. At the time of his departure, Conine held the franchise records for hits, RBIs and games played.[11]

Baltimore Orioles (1999–2003)

[edit]

Chronic back pain limited Conine to 93 games with the Royals in 1998. Following just one season back in Kansas City, the Royals traded him to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Chris Fussell.[12] Conine returned healthy, and enjoyed a resurgence with Baltimore, as he batted .291 with 13 home runs and 75 RBI in 1999.[1] He also appeared in four games at third base for the first time at the major league level. In 2000, Conine became more of a utility player, appearing in 119 games and logging 452 at-bats without a regular starting position. He enjoyed a comeback 2001 season, batting .311 with 97 RBI, and was rewarded with a starting position back at first base. Conine batted .287 with 79 home runs and 410 RBI in five plus seasons in Baltimore.[1]

Second stint with Florida Marlins (2003–2005)

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2003 World Series Champions

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After firing manager Jeff Torborg early in the 2003 season, the Florida Marlins dramatically improved their record under new manager Jack McKeon. On August 31, tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the wild card playoff spot, the Marlins sent right-handed pitching prospects Denny Bautista and Don Levinski to Baltimore for Conine.[13] Conine batted .239 with five home runs and fifteen RBIs over 25 games back in Florida, and the Marlins returned to the postseason for the second time in franchise history.[1]

Conine batted .458 with three RBIs and a home run in Game Five of the 2003 National League Championship Series[14] against the Chicago Cubs, and batted .333 in the World Series against the New York Yankees.[15] He is the only player to appear in the opener of the Marlins' inaugural season, the 1997 World Series Marlins' championship team, and the 2003 World Series Marlins' championship team. He remained with the club through the 2005 season. He returned to the Baltimore Orioles via free agency in 2006.[1]

Later career

[edit]

In 2006, the Phillies were competing for the NL wild-card race and acquired Conine on August 27 for a player to be named later (infielder Ángel Chávez).[16] Conine's role was to serve as a right-handed bat off the bench. Though Philadelphia failed to make the playoffs, Conine proved a solid addition, batting .280 with seventeen RBIs in 28 games.[1]

When the Phillies signed free-agent Jayson Werth after the season, Conine became expendable, and was sent to the Cincinnati Reds for minor league prospects Bradley Key and Javon Moran.[17] Platooning with Scott Hatteberg at first base, Conine batted .265 with six home runs and 32 RBIs over eighty games. His .409 batting average and four RBIs in 22 pinch hit at-bats made him an attractive player to the New York Mets, who were looking to add depth to their bench. On August 20, 2007, Conine was traded to the Mets for minor leaguers Sean Henry and Jose Castro.[18] Though he hit an RBI single in his first at-bat as a Met,[19] he proved less successful in that role with the Mets, batting just .195 over 21 games with his new club.[1] On September 20, Conine announced that he was considering retirement before his final series in South Florida. He played his final game on September 30 against the Marlins, replacing an injured Carlos Delgado at first base.

On March 28, 2008, Conine signed a one-day contract with the Florida Marlins to officially retire as a member of the team.[20] The Marlins held a tribute to Conine before their home opener against the Mets on March 31. He batted .290 over his career with the Marlins with 120 home runs and 553 RBIs. He holds the franchise mark for grand slam home runs with six.[21]

In 2012, Conine debuted on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.[22] He received no votes and was removed from the ballot the next year.[23]

Post-career

[edit]
Jeff Conine broadcasting live during a post-game Fox Sports show.

Shortly after retiring from baseball, Conine began competing in triathlon.[24] On December 26, 2007, while training for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, he crashed his bicycle while trying to avoid a car pulling out in front of him, and shattered his collarbone. Though sidelined for two months by the accident, he still managed to compete in the Ironman and several other races that year.[25]

Conine appeared as a color commentator on three Marlins Fox Sports Network telecasts in September 2008, filling in for Tommy Hutton.[26] He was fired by Fox Sports Florida and from his position as special assistant by owner Derek Jeter on November 22, 2017.[27][28]

On April 29, 2014, Conine was inducted into the Ride of Fame in Miami and a double decker tour bus was dedicated to him.[29]

On June 4, 2021, Conine was named the associate head coach of Florida International University's baseball team under head coach Mervyl Melendez.[30]

On November 17, 2022, Conine was hired by the Miami Marlins to serve as a special assistant for the 2023 season.[31] On March 30, 2025, Conine became the first person inducted into the Miami Marlins Hall of Fame.[32]

Personal life

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Jeff Conine graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California. His father is wrestler Gerald Conine, who represented the United States at the Summer Olympics in 1964. Jeff was a top junior racquetball player before focusing on baseball, and won the US 18U junior national singles title in 1985.[33] Conine met his wife Cindy (Doyle) Conine (the sister of former top touring Racquetball professional Tim Doyle and herself a top racquetball professional in the late 1980s-early 1990s) at a professional racquetball tournament in New York City.[34] They have three children.

Conine's son Griffin is an MLB player.[35]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jeff Conine

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeff Conine (born June 27, 1966) is an American former and who played 17 seasons in (MLB), most notably as a key member of the Marlins' inaugural team in 1993 and their championship squads in 1997 and 2003, earning him the nickname "Mr. Marlin." Drafted by the in the 58th round of the 1987 MLB Draft out of UCLA, Conine made his big-league debut with the Royals in 1990 before establishing himself as a Marlins mainstay from 1993 to 1997, where he batted .290 with 120 home runs and 553 RBIs over eight seasons split across two stints. He went 4-for-4 in the Marlins' first-ever game on , 1993, and became the franchise's first player to drive in 100 runs in a season during 1995, finishing that year with career highs of 25 home runs and 105 RBIs while earning his second consecutive selection and the game's MVP award via a pinch-hit home run. Over his full career, which also included time with the Baltimore Orioles (1999–2003, 2006), Royals (1992, 1998), Philadelphia Phillies (2006), Cincinnati Reds (2007), and New York Mets (2007), Conine compiled a .285 batting average with 1,982 hits, 214 home runs, and 1,071 RBIs in 2,024 games, ranking among the Marlins' all-time leaders in games played (2nd, 1,014), hits (3rd, 1,005), and RBIs (3rd, 553). A two-time All-Star (1994, 1995) and third-place finisher in the 1993 National League Rookie of the Year voting, Conine was the only player to appear in both of the Marlins' World Series-winning lineups, contributing solidly with a .231 average (3-for-13) and 2 RBIs in 1997 and a .286 average in 2003. Following his playing days, Conine served as a special assistant to the Marlins' president from to , working with minor league hitters, outfielders, and first basemen during , before joining the Baltimore Orioles as a guest instructor in 2020 and becoming associate of the FIU team in 2021, where he oversees hitting and player development. In March 2025, he was inducted into the Marlins' Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class, honoring his foundational role in the franchise's history.

Early life and amateur career

Early life and education

Jeffrey Guy Conine was born on June 27, 1966, in , to parents Pam and "Jerry" Conine. His father, a former two-way football lineman and wrestler at , competed for the in at the in , where he placed sixth in the light heavyweight division (≤97 kg). After his athletic career, Jerry Conine worked as a trade-show installer and later excelled in , achieving national prominence. The Conine family relocated from Washington to , during Jeff's early childhood, where he grew up immersed in sports. As a youth, Conine was initially overweight, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 190 pounds by age 13, but he transformed his physique through rigorous training, losing 25 pounds and growing six inches in a year while overcoming chondromalacia (). By his mid-teens, he had become an elite junior player, eventually winning the U.S. 18-and-under national singles championship in 1985. Conine attended High School in , graduating in 1984. There, he distinguished himself as a standout player, performing as both a and , which earned him recruitment to the (UCLA) as a . Following high school, Conine transitioned to at UCLA.

College baseball at UCLA

Conine enrolled at the (UCLA) in 1985, where he played for the from 1985 to 1987, initially focusing on pitching under coach Art Reichner and pitching coach Guy Hansen. As a freshman in 1985, he appeared in limited action, contributing to the team's efforts in the Pac-10 Conference, though specific starts that year were minimal as he adjusted to the college level. Over his three seasons, Conine compiled a 5-4 pitching record with a 6.06 and two saves in 15 appearances, including several starts, while struggling with command and velocity—his fastball was described by Hansen as notably straight and lacking movement. A highlight came in his sophomore year on February 8, 1986, when he threw a complete-game four-hit against Chapman College, striking out several batters in an 8-0 victory. Despite these moments, his overall performance as a was hampered by inconsistency, leading to a difficult adjustment to the demands of . During his time at UCLA, Conine transitioned from a full-time to a , particularly at , after demonstrating strong hitting potential in batting practice where he frequently hit long home runs. In the summer of 1986, he played for the Orleans Cardinals in the , helping the team win the league championship. He had only one official at-bat as a batter, resulting in being hit by a pitch, but his athleticism and improved hitting skills—honed through extra practice—convinced Hansen to scout him as a hitter for professional opportunities. This shift proved pivotal, as Conine was selected by the in the 58th round (1,225th overall) of the 1987 MLB June Amateur Draft out of UCLA, primarily as a rather than a .

Professional baseball career

Minor league beginnings

Following his selection by the Kansas City Royals in the 58th round of the 1987 MLB Draft out of UCLA, Conine signed his first professional contract as a . He began his career the following year, assigned to the Class A of the . In 1988, Conine appeared in 118 games for Baseball City, batting .272 with 10 home runs and 59 RBIs while stealing 26 bases, demonstrating early power and speed potential despite his late-round draft status. He returned to the same affiliate in 1989, improving to 14 home runs and 32 stolen bases over 113 games with a .273 average, solidifying his reputation as a versatile hitter. These performances earned him a promotion to Double-A with the Memphis of the Southern League in 1990, where he enjoyed a breakout season, hitting .320 with 15 home runs and 95 RBIs in 137 games. Conine's rapid ascent continued to Triple-A Omaha in the American Association, though a wrist injury limited him to 51 games in 1991, during which he batted .257 with 3 home runs. He rebounded strongly in 1992, slashing .302/.373/.562 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs across 110 games for the Royals' top farm club, showcasing double-digit power while transitioning primarily to duties alongside first base to enhance his defensive versatility. As a 58th-round pick often overlooked early in his development, Conine credited his steady progression and positional adaptability for overcoming initial skepticism from scouts.

Kansas City Royals stints

Jeff Conine made his major league debut with the on September 16, 1990, as a late-season call-up from Triple-A Memphis. In his initial MLB exposure, he appeared in nine games, primarily as a , recording five hits in 20 at-bats for a .250 . This brief stint provided Conine with his first taste of big-league action following several years of development, where he had honed his skills as a power-hitting corner and . The 1991 season marked a setback for Conine, as injuries limited him to just 51 games at Triple-A Omaha, where he batted .257 with three home runs before undergoing wrist surgeries that sidelined him for much of the year. He did not receive a call-up to the Royals that season, spending the time recovering and adapting to the physical demands of at higher levels. Conine returned to the Royals in 1992 for a more extended but still limited role, appearing in 28 games across multiple positions including first base, left field, right field, and . He batted .253 with 23 hits in 91 at-bats, showing promise but struggling to secure consistent playing time amid stiff roster competition from established veterans. This period highlighted his versatility, a trait developed in the minors, but also the challenges of breaking through as a depth player in a crowded and infield lineup. Over his early Royals stints from 1990 to 1992, Conine logged fewer than 50 major league games total, with 37 appearances and a .252 , underscoring his status and the difficulty of earning regular at-bats early in his career.

First tenure with Marlins

Conine was selected by the Marlins from the with the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 on November 17, 1992. This acquisition marked the beginning of his full-time major league career after brief appearances with the Royals and Mariners, providing him a platform to establish himself as an everyday player. In his 1993 rookie season, Conine appeared in all 162 games for the expansion Marlins, batting .292 with 12 home runs and 79 RBIs while leading the team in hits (174). His performance earned him third place in National League Rookie of the Year voting, behind and Greg McMichael, with 31 points. Primarily playing left field, Conine contributed to a Marlins offense that scored 656 runs in their inaugural season, finishing last in the NL East with a 64-98 record. Conine's production peaked from 1994 to 1996, during which he maintained batting averages above .290 and became a cornerstone of the Marlins lineup. In 1994, he hit .319 with 18 s and 82 RBIs over 115 games, earning his first selection as the team's lone representative. He followed with a career-high 25 s and 105 RBIs in 1995, batting .302 and hitting a game-winning in the at The Ballpark in Arlington. In 1996, Conine batted .293 with 26 s and 95 RBIs in 157 games, splitting time between left field and first base while helping the Marlins improve to 80-82. During the 1997 season, Conine transitioned primarily to first base and played 151 games, batting .242 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs as the Marlins achieved a franchise-best 92-70 record and reached the . He led the team in at-bats (405) and ranked among the leaders in and (164), providing steady production amid the club's Wild Card push. Known for his versatility and durability, Conine solidified his role as an everyday contributor in and infield throughout his first Marlins tenure. Following the 1997 World Series, Conine was traded to the Kansas City Royals on November 20, 1997, for minor league pitcher Blaine Mull. In 1998, back pain limited him to 93 games with the Royals, where he batted .256 with 8 home runs and 43 RBIs.

Baltimore Orioles years

Jeff Conine joined the Baltimore Orioles via trade from the Kansas City Royals on April 2, 1999, in exchange for pitcher Chris Fussell, shortly after Opening Day. Acquired to provide right-handed power and versatility at first base and in the outfield, Conine quickly became a steady contributor for the Orioles during a period of transition following the retirement of Cal Ripken Jr. and amid ongoing payroll constraints under owner Peter Angelos. In his debut season with Baltimore, he appeared in 139 games, batting .291 with 13 home runs and 75 RBIs, helping to stabilize the lineup despite the team's fourth-place finish in the AL East at 78-84. From 2000 to 2002, Conine maintained consistent production, posting batting averages between .273 and .311 while hitting 13 to 15 home runs each year, though injuries began to impact his availability. In , he played 119 games with a .284 average, 13 home runs, and 46 RBIs; the following year, he rebounded for 139 games, slashing .311/.386/.443 with 14 home runs and a team-leading 97 RBIs, earning ' Most Valuable Player Award. His 2002 campaign was hampered by a strained right that sidelined him for 45 games, limiting him to 116 appearances where he hit .273 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs; again missed the , finishing 67-95. As a with prior success in , Conine offered leadership and positional flexibility, often shifting between first base, left field, and even third base to accommodate injuries to teammates like . In 2003, Conine appeared in 124 games for before being traded, batting .290 with 15 home runs and 80 RBIs in 493 at-bats, providing reliable offense amid the team's 71-91 record. Trade rumors swirled throughout the summer, with discussions linking him to the Marlins for , reflecting ' efforts to rebuild with younger talent. On August 31, 2003, he was dealt to for prospects and Don Levinski, ending his initial stint with after five seasons in which he played 637 games, hit 70 home runs, and established himself as a clubhouse anchor despite the franchise's struggles.

Return to Florida Marlins

On August 31, 2003, the Florida Marlins acquired Jeff Conine from the Baltimore Orioles in a midseason trade for prospects Denny Bautista and Don Levinski, reuniting the 37-year-old veteran with the franchise where he had spent his early career. As a seasoned leader nicknamed "Mr. Marlin," Conine brought invaluable clubhouse stability to a youthful Marlins squad mounting a surprising playoff charge, offering guidance to players like Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis amid the team's late-season surge. In his initial 25 regular-season games with the Marlins that year, Conine batted .238 with five home runs and 15 RBIs, primarily platooning in left field and at first base to provide right-handed balance against opposing pitchers. His steady presence helped solidify the lineup during a pivotal stretch, including a four-game sweep of the that bolstered Florida's wild-card position. Following the , the Marlins extended Conine's through 2005 in an emotional gesture that underscored his enduring bond with the organization and its fans, who adored him as a symbol of franchise loyalty. Conine's production showed signs of age-related decline in the ensuing seasons, with diminishing power despite consistent playing time. In 2004, the 38-year-old appeared in 140 games, slashing .280/.340/.432 with 14 home runs and 83 RBIs, serving as a reliable everyday option across the corners and . By 2005, at age 39, he logged 131 games with a strong .304 average but just three home runs and 33 RBIs, reflecting reduced extrabase pop as younger players emerged. Granted free agency after the season, Conine departed as a beloved figure whose second Marlins tenure spanned 296 games and 22 home runs, cementing his status as a fan favorite for his grit and two championship contributions.

Final MLB seasons

Following the expiration of his contract and becoming a after the 2005 season with the Marlins, Jeff Conine joined the Orioles for the 2006 season, where he served primarily as a and . In 114 games with , Conine batted .265 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs, providing veteran leadership amid a rebuilding team. On August 27, 2006, traded Conine to the Phillies in exchange for minor leaguer Angel Chavez, bolstering the Phillies' playoff push with a right-handed bat off the bench. Appearing in 28 games for , Conine hit .280 (28-for-100) with one and 12 RBIs, contributing sparingly in a utility role before the Phillies fell short of the postseason. Conine signed a minor league deal with the in January 2007, earning a spot on the roster as a and left fielder. During his stint with the Reds, he played 80 games, batting .265 with six home runs and 32 RBIs, though the team languished in last place in the . On August 20, 2007, the Reds traded Conine to the in exchange for minor leaguers and Sean Henry, adding postseason experience to New York's bench amid a tight NL East race. In 21 games with the Mets, Conine batted .195 (17-for-87) without a , appearing mostly as a and defensive replacement before New York's late-season collapse. Conine announced his retirement after the 2007 season at age 41, concluding a 17-year major league career that spanned six teams. Over 2,148 games, he compiled a .285 with 214 , 1,071 RBIs, and 1,982 hits.

Career highlights and statistics

World Series contributions

Jeff Conine played a supporting role in the Florida Marlins' upset victory over the Cleveland Indians in the , appearing in six of the seven games primarily at first base. He batted .231 with three hits in 13 at-bats and drove in two runs, providing steady production from the middle of the lineup during the Marlins' improbable run as a fifth-year . Although he started only three games, Conine contributed defensively with flawless fielding across 31 chances at first base, helping to stabilize the infield in key moments. In Game 7, the decisive 3-2 win in 11 innings, Conine entered as a substitute but was later pinch-hit for, watching from the bench as Craig Counsell's walk-off single clinched the championship. Conine's return to the Marlins in 2003 added an emotional layer to the team's second World Series triumph, this time against the New York Yankees, as he was the only player from the 1997 squad still active with the franchise after being traded away following the 1997 season. Batting .333 with seven hits in 21 at-bats over all six games, he reached base at a .417 clip with three walks and scored four runs, often setting the table for the Marlins' opportunistic offense from his left field position. Starting three games in the outfield, Conine handled five defensive chances without error, maintaining reliability in a series marked by the Marlins' underdog resilience. His presence evoked nostalgia and unity, underscoring the franchise's rare back-to-back titles despite roster overhauls. Across 12 games in 1997 and 2003, Conine compiled a .294 with 10 hits, two RBIs, and five runs scored, while committing no errors in 36 total chances, reflecting his versatile utility as a and . As the lone constant between the Marlins' championships, he became a symbol of the organization's early success and identity, participating in victory parades that celebrated South Florida's improbable baseball triumphs and fostering a legacy of perseverance for the expansion-era club.

Awards and records

Conine earned two National League All-Star selections during his time with the Florida Marlins, appearing in the 1994 game at in and the 1995 contest at The Ballpark in Arlington in Texas. In the 1995 All-Star Game, he entered as a reserve and delivered a pinch-hit solo home run leading off the eighth inning against reliever Steve Ontiveros, securing a 3-2 victory for the National League and earning him the game's award— the first and only such honor for a Marlins player. In his rookie season of 1993, Conine finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting with 31 points, trailing winner of the (130 points) and runner-up of the Dodgers (65 points). Conine received Marlins team honors in both 1994 and 1995, recognizing his consistent offensive contributions during the franchise's early years. He also garnered votes for National League MVP in 1995, placing 22nd in the balloting. Among Marlins franchise records, Conine set a then-franchise mark for the longest consecutive streak at 307, spanning from his debut in 1993 through 1997 (later surpassed by Pierre's 486 from 2003 to 2005). He established the team's single-season hits record with 174 in 1993 before surpassing it with 175 in 1995, and became the first Marlins player to reach 100 RBIs in a season that year. As one of the original selections, Conine amassed 120 home runs with the Marlins, the most among players from the 1993 inaugural roster. Conine's two World Series championships with the Marlins in 1997 and 2003 stand as his ultimate team accolades. In March 2025, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.

Playing style and positions

Jeff Conine was a versatile defender who primarily played left field and first base during his 17-year career, logging 737 games in left field, 949 games at first base, 154 games in right field, and 74 games as a designated hitter, while also appearing at third base in 68 games early on. His positional flexibility allowed teams to deploy him across the corner outfield spots and infield, contributing to his longevity as a reliable everyday player in his prime. As a right-handed batter, Conine exhibited a consistent, contact-oriented approach with underlying power, finishing his career with a .285 , 214 home runs, and 1,071 runs batted in across 6,957 at-bats. He produced 364 doubles, reflecting his ability to drive the ball with line-drive authority rather than pure swing mechanics, which helped him maintain a balanced offensive profile suited to lineup middle-order roles. Defensively, Conine was steady and dependable, posting a .991 at first base over 949 games (with 582 assists) and .986 in left field over 737 games, where his per nine was 2.01. His above-average arm strength, derived from a pitching background at UCLA where he went 5-4 with a 6.06 , enabled strong throws from the outfield, as demonstrated in key plays like his 2003 postseason assist to home plate. Conine's overall career value stood at 19.5 , peaking at 3.5 in 1996 during a standout season with the Florida Marlins. Later in his career, particularly after , Conine adapted to platoon situations and , often facing left-handed pitchers as a right-handed hitter while filling in at multiple positions to maximize his experience and on-base skills (.347 career OBP). This shift extended his playing time into his early 40s, providing steady production without a fixed everyday role.

Post-playing career

Front office roles

Following his retirement from playing in 2007, Conine joined the front office on March 28, 2008, as a special assistant to team president David Samson, a role that leveraged his deep loyalty and history with the franchise as an original member and two-time champion. In this capacity, he contributed to organizational efforts by undertaking international scouting missions to locations including and , evaluating talent and representing the Marlins abroad. He also worked with minor league hitters, outfielders, and first basemen during . Conine remained in the front office through 2017, focusing on advisory functions that supported the team's operations and player evaluation processes, including serving as a pregame show host from 2015 to 2017. His presence as "Mr. Marlin" helped foster a sense of continuity and , drawing on his firsthand experience to guide the franchise's development during a period of roster rebuilding and competitive challenges. In October 2017, amid a major overhaul following the sale of the to a group led by and , Conine departed after declining an offer for a reduced role with lower pay, marking the end of his nearly decade-long tenure. He briefly engaged in consulting work outside the Marlins organization. In November 2022, Conine returned to the Marlins as a special assistant to chairman and principal owner , working on various projects and initiatives related to the 's operations, including instruction. As of 2025, he continues in this role.

Coaching roles

In 2020, Conine served as a guest instructor for the Baltimore Orioles during , providing guidance to outfielders and sharing insights from his . From June 2021 to the end of the 2022 season, Conine was the associate for the () team, where he oversaw hitting and player development.

Broadcasting and media work

Jeff Conine has engaged in various media roles since 2017, leveraging his extensive playing and experience to provide analysis and insights. In 2021, he co-launched the Outside the Box with Jeff Conine alongside Aram Leighton of Just Baseball, where the duo discussed current MLB topics, player development, and Conine's career anecdotes in episodes released twice weekly until early 2023. Conine made notable podcast appearances reflecting on his Marlins tenure, including a 2022 episode of Fish Stripes' The Offishial Show, where he shared career highlights and thoughts on his son Griffin's prospect status. His front office background occasionally informed these discussions, offering perspectives on team management and player transitions. In August 2025, he guested on the Le Batard and Friends podcast, addressing topics like the Steve Bartman incident and Marlins Hall of Fame considerations. On television, Conine has appeared as a guest analyst on , including a 2024 interview recapping Marlins history and a 2025 Hot Stove segment alongside Griffin discussing family dynamics in baseball. He joined the Marlins' broadcast in March 2025 to comment on his own induction into the team's Hall of Fame, providing live analysis during the pregame show. Community media efforts include the June 2025 YouTube documentary Jeff Conine: Mr. Marlin, which chronicles his contributions to the franchise through interviews and archival footage. Conine continues to make select media appearances that highlight the Marlins' legacy.

Personal life

Family and residence

Jeff Conine married Cindy Doyle on October 9, 1993, in her hometown after meeting her at a professional tournament in , where both were competitors. The couple has three children: daughter Sierra Brooke, born December 21, 1995; son Griffin Riley, born July 11, 1997; and son Tucker, born July 31, 2000. Conine's family provided crucial support throughout his career transitions, including moves between teams like the , Florida Marlins, Baltimore Orioles, and others, often remaining based in while he traveled. Their son Griffin followed in his father's footsteps, playing college at before being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft (after being selected by the Marlins in the 31st round of the 2015 Draft out of high school but not signing) and traded to the Marlins in 2021, making his major league debut with the team in 2024. The family has been actively involved in events, with Conine and his relatives attending key moments such as Griffin's major league call-up and games tied to the Marlins' legacy. Post-retirement, Conine and his family established long-term roots in , where their children attended local schools; the family owned a home in , which they sold in January 2025 for $3.75 million after residing there for many years. This stability in the region has anchored Conine's post-playing life, including his front-office role with the Marlins.

Community involvement

Jeff Conine has been deeply involved in philanthropy in , particularly through his long-standing support for pediatric healthcare and youth initiatives. Since 1995, he has co-hosted the annual Conine All-Star Golf Classic with his wife, Cindy, raising over $8.5 million to fund the Conine Clubhouse at . This facility provides free lodging for over 25,000 families of pediatric patients, many from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to stay close during treatment without financial burden. The event, now in its 31st year, features celebrity participants and has become a cornerstone of Conine's charitable efforts, with the 2025 edition raising $525,000. Conine has partnered with the Foundation on various community programs, including youth baseball clinics through the Players Alumni Association's Legends for Youth initiative and hospital visits to support children facing health challenges. These efforts emphasize education and access to sports for underprivileged youth, aligning with his family's advocacy for literacy and during hospital outreach. His family often participates in these events, contributing to their success and outreach, including son Griffin's nomination for the 2025 . In recognition of his service, Conine was inducted into the Jason Taylor Community Hall of Fame in 2023 as the Celebrity Honoree, honored for three decades of philanthropy with the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation. He was also inducted into the Rialto Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, representing his hometown of Eisenhower High School, where he highlighted the importance of community ties in his acceptance remarks. Following his retirement, Conine expanded his contributions amid the , hosting a virtual fundraiser in to support the Conine Clubhouse during restricted in-person events. Additionally, he has supported veterans through appreciation initiatives, including a 2017 dedication of the Hospitality Lounge at and a 2011 trip to visit troops at in . These efforts reflect his commitment to honoring service members, drawing from a sense of gratitude for community and national support.

References

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  8. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/gerald-guy-conine
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  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ULZ1s-1OtM
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  58. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2025/01/09/mlb-mr-marlin-jeff-conine-sells-weston-mansion.html
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  61. https://conineallstargolfclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Niner-News-V2.pdf
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  63. https://www.mlb.com/news/miami-lighthouse-for-the-blind-teams-up-with-the-miami-marlins-foundation-for-a-game-of-beep-ball
  64. https://www.mlb.com/news/roberto-clemente-award-2025-nominees
  65. https://www.fishstripes.com/2008/11/17/663339/jeff-conine-makes-a-hall-o
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  67. https://www.mlb.com/news/marlins-help-dedicate-military-airport-lounge-c241245660
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