Jeff Conine (born June 27, 1966 in Tacoma, Washington) is an First baseman/outfielder in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles. Previously, Conine played with the Kansas City Royals (1990, 1992), Florida Marlins (1993-1997), Kansas City Royals (1998), Baltimore Orioles (1999-2003), and Florida Marlins (2003-2005). He bats and throws right-handed. His nickname is "Niner." He is also nicknamed "Mr. Marlin" for his significant history as a Marlins player and ties to South Florida. A graduate from UCLA, Conine started his major league career with the Kansas City Royals and was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 1993 expansion draft. After a second stint with Kansas City and five seasons with Baltimore, he returned to the Marlins in the 2003 midseason.
In 1994, Conine hit a career high .319 batting average with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs, but his most productive season came in 1995, when he posted a career high 105 RBIs with a .302 average and 25 home runs. That season, he was named the All-Star Game MVP.
In 1996, Conine earned his second All-Star berth, and finished with 26 home runs, a career high, 95 RBI, and a .293 average.
In his first stint with the Orioles, Conine hit at least .284 four times, with a high .311 in 2001. In his second stint with the Marlins, he collected 193 RBI in 314 games.
In a 15-season career, Conine is a .287 hitter with 203 home runs and 982 RBI in 1808 games.
Conine has the distinction of being the only player to appear in the opener of the Marlin's inaugural season, the 1997 World Series Marlins' championship team, and the 2003 World Series Marlins' championship team.
While in his second stint with the Marlins, Conine was active in the South Florida community and was widely regarded as a crowd favorite. Conine even opened a high-end sports-themed restaurant in Hollywood, Florida called Conine's Clubhouse Grill.
He was signed by the Orioles on a one year deal in the 2005 offseason. He is expected to receive a large amount of playing time either at first base, left field, or as a designated hitter. Perhaps most importantly, the Orioles want Conine to mentor younger players, as they look to groom several minor league players for the big leagues.
