Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #63 Mr. Marlin Returns

Apr 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Former Florida Marlins left fielder Jeff Conine prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves during on opening night at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History.  Let’s step away from pitchers for a little bit as we go back to 2003, shall we? All Marlin fans remember 2003: Jack McKeon became our skipper, Ivan Rodriguez said we are going to the playoffs, it was Miguel Cabrera rookie year, Dontrelle Willis mania took over, and we won the World Series. It had been a long time since the Marlins had won the World Series in 1997, and no one was left from that team on the current 2003 team. That is, until moment 63 happened and the Marlins traded for Jeff Conine.

Brining back Mr. Marlin to the Marlins was a great move. Jeff may have only played 25 games for the Marlins that regular season, but I was like many other fans and we were ready to see Jeff in teal again. On August 31, 2003 the news broke that the Marlins traded Don Levinski and Denny Bautista to the Baltimore Orioles for Jeff. I couldn’t contain myself. Mr. Marlin was back where he belonged and was poised to go for another ring as a Marlin!  His veteran presence helped in the playoffs as he played in all 17 games and batted .333 in the World Series. It may have been a little fan service to bring Jeff back, but I was not complaining.

Join me tomorrow as we take a look at a moment from the 2013 season, and yes it’s not a Jose Fernandez moment. Can you figure out which it will be? Until next time … Let’s Go Marlins!