More on Conine

Yesterday, I waxed poetic about Jeff Conine retiring a Marlin. I was quite pleased with the Marlins organization, and apparently I wasn't alone.

Let me direct you to this beautiful piece by the guys at FishStripes (I highly recommend their blog). I especially enjoyed their recap of Conine's 1995 All-Star game performance. Take a look.

Marlins Show Rare Touch of Class for Conine

The Marlins are an organization known for many things, from two world championships to three firesales, from low fan support to the highest attendance ever at a World Series game. One thing they have not been accredited with, however, is class.

Johnny Damon expressed that very sentiment on March 17, 2005, when the Marlins made the Red Sox travel for a rained out game (just a little anecdote for the old faithful). He claimed that the Marlins didn't have the class of the Red Sox (interesting that the "classy" owner of the Red Sox was the same John Henry who once butchered the Marlins. A lot of class there).

But getting to my real point, the Marlins are honoring the true Mr. Marlin, Jeff Conine. He'll be signed to a one-day contract so he can retire a Marlin. In addition, he'll be throwing out the first pitch and have an award named after him.

For those of us who loved watching Conine play, from his All-Star appearance in 1995, to the World Series victories in 1997 and 2003, this is truly a banner day for the franchise's premiere player.


MLB appearance