Celebrity Q&A: Conine Always An All-Star From driving in runs to raising funds, Mr. Marlin makes South Florida better

Jeff Conine played 17 seasons in the major leagues for six teams, including two stints with the Florida Marlins that produced World Series championships in 1997 and 2003. Conine, 54, is also a two-time all-star (1994, ’95) and earned the nickname Mr. Marlin. He batted .290 with the Marlins, with 120 home runs and 553 RBI. Conine holds the franchise mark for grand slams (six). He also hosts the Conine All-Star Golf Classic, which is in its 27th year and has raised $7 million to underwrite expenses at the Conine Clubhouse at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. The clubhouse is a hotel-like facility that provides free lodging to parents and siblings during a child’s stay. Nearly 13,000 families have stayed during very critical times.

Joe DiMaggio and Jeff Conine in 1997 at the dedication of the Conine Clubhouse

“The hospital does fundraising for a living,” said Conine, who was able to raise $95,000 that first year at the Club at Emerald Hills, where the tournament spent 19 years before moving to the Diplomat and ultimately Fort Lauderdale Country Club the past four years.

“They told me they would have been happy with the shelf life of a charity golf event being five to seven years. We had a great committee and people who were passionate about raising money … I’ve spent half my life doing tournaments for the children’s hospital.”

Conine is getting back into golf now following hip surgeries in 2016 and 2018. He plays tennis regularly and even competed in the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in 2007.

What do you remember most about winning two World Series?

The first I was on the inaugural team, and going from starting in the organization to winning was great. That first spring we were all castoffs and we had to get to know each other quickly. To go from that to the World Series in five years was remarkable. Then to be able to come back and do it again in 2003 … even though I was drafted by Kansas City, I always felt Florida was my team.

Did one championship stand out?

A World Series is a World Series, and when you make that final out and you know you are king of the hill. Obviously, it is something you put on the uniform for, and you strive for as a team. Both had a different feel. I was brought in the last month for the ’03 run and that bunch of guys was probably the most fun I ever had on a baseball field. Awesome group of characters. If you’re not going to win at home, winning at Yankee Stadium is probably the best place you can.”

Favorite Series moment?

You think of the last outs that were made where you are holding your breath, and Josh Beckett, when he picks up that ball, you hope it doesn’t go flying out of his glove when he makes that tag. When the umpire calls him out, it’s pandemonium. Playoffs are so mentally and physically exhausting. It is a small portion of the season, but every pitch, every out and every run mean so much. You are on edge the whole time, so when you can finally let loose and celebrate with the guys you went to war with, there’s nothing better.

Are you in touch with the ’97 teammates?

A few. I just spent a weekend in California with Robb Nen. He is probably my best friend in baseball and we see each other as often as we can.

Did racquetball help with baseball?

Without being a pro racquetball player, I wouldn’t have had the baseball career I did. I was more into racquetball as a teenager. I took a couple of years off just to concentrate on racquetball. That really developed my athleticism across the board – foot speed, hand speed, coordination.

How did you feel about the Mr. Marlin nickname?

Early I was not very fond of it because I was more of an “in the shadows” guy. As the years went on, I realized fans who called me that recognized I was there from the beginning and appreciated that I played hard and came to the ballpark every day and gave my best every night. I definitely honor the nickname now.

Did golf mess up your baseball swing?

It is definitely a myth. (One road trip) I played during the day and we played the Padres that night and I hit two home runs. Good enough for me.

Your son, Griffin, is in the Marlins’ organization?

Very crazy. The prospect of him hitting balls in the backyard (in Weston) to playing Major League Baseball is quite exciting for my wife and me. (Griffin plays for AA Pensacola.)

Favorite course?

Cypress Point Club (California) and Pine Valley Golf Club (New Jersey). I have a good friend that works at Pebble Beach and we had Cypress Point in the morning and Pebble in the afternoon which was quite a doubleheader. Cypress Point is pristine. No homes. The caddies knew every club in my bag by the third hole. Pine Valley was terrifying – the hardest course I have ever played.

Favorite local courses?

Parkland Golf & Country Club and Bear’s Club in Jupiter.

Best round?

76

Any holes-in-one?

No, but my wife (Cindy) who is not even a golfer, was playing in a Humane Society event at Grande Oaks Golf Club in 2004 and got one on the 17th and won a Mercedes.

Dream foursome?

Jack Nicklaus – he’s a remarkable human being; Michael Jordan, he’s a bigger-than-life personality; and Tiger Woods, probably the best golfer.

Favorite club?

My 7-iron. I have more confidence with that club than any other in my bag. I wish it was my putter, but it is not.
sportscom5@aol.com

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *