Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #54 Mr. Marlin Begins

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. Why is Jeff Conine called Mr. Marlin? Can it be because he was part of the original Marlins? Is it because he is one of only two players from that team to be in the 1997 World Series team? Could it be because he was also part of the 2003 World Series team? Maybe it’s because he has an All-Star MVP under his belt as a Marlins? My thinking is it’s because of moment 54… Jeff Conine’s first game as a Marlin.

There were many bright sides of the first game of Marlins history. The biggest one in many people’s opinion is the performance of Jeff Conine. He might not have smacked the ball over the wall, or had gap power, but no one can deny that he did an spectacular job his first game as a Marlin. In Jeff’s first at bat he singled to right field, and then scored on a Walt Weiss’ triple. During his second at bat he singled to the 3^rd baseman, so far he’s 2-2 with a run. At his third at bat Jeff hit another single to right field, and would score again on a Scott Pose groundout. Finally, at his last at bat Jeff would line the ball to shallow center field for his 4^th hit of the game. Jeff went 4-4 with 2 runs; a very impressive first game for the Marlins.

His game wasn’t flashy, but it got the job done. Is this why Jeff is known as Mr. Marlin? No, but it the start of the Mr. Marlin legend. Everything Jeff did he did as a Marlin, and that is why he will always be known as Mr. Marlin.