Mr. Conine,

 

You earned the nickname "Mr. Marlin." You were a true team player and I loved to watch you play. Good luck with the rest of your life and everything that you do. Thank you for helping this franchise to win TWO World Series Titles...thank you, Mr. Marlin!

 

Matt (-Miami Fan-)

Hey Jeff,

Thank you for your time, your committment, and your appreciation for the team. You were a true professional and true ball player. I'm glad you were a Marlin (and Mr. Marlin at that). I am also very glad you were a part of most, if not all, of the great highlights of the team. I wish you well. Hope to see you in Cooperstown some day, you deserve it!!!

 

Senen

Jeff,

 

The very first time my father took me to a Major League stadium, you threw me a wave and a smile during warmups. Later on during the game, you homered. Ever since that afternoon in 1993, I've called you my favorite player. Needless to say, it's disappointing knowing that I'm not going to get to watch you play again but I consider myself privileged that I was able to follow you throughout your great career. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and thank you for always conducting yourself in the manner that every professional athlete should.

 

Enjoy life after baseball.

 

Alex

Dear Jeff,

 

Among my very earliest baseball memories are of you representing the Marlins proudly during your All Star MVP game. You've always been a Marlin at heart no matter where you've played. I wish you could've ended your career here, but I know there are no hard feelings from the fans. You will always be Mr. Marlin.

 

Chris

Jeff,

 

There is something in your personality and how you approach the game that make fans respect, appreciate and like you.

 

Even though you may not have been the most accomplished, you are by far the Marlins fan favorite.

 

I wish you and your family well in your retirement, and I hope that in the future we will see you again in a Marlins uniform as a coach or in the Marlins broadcast booth.

 

Thanks.

Thanks for the memories Niner! There have been a number of great players pass through the Marlins organization over the past 15 years, but none have made the same impact on this franchise and this community like you have. I look forward to the day you become the first Marlin to have his number retired. Congrats on a great playing career!

 

This isn't a letter. Just a correction on a mistake that Tommy and Rich also made this past week end. And it is just a bit nit picky. He won't be the first Marlin to have his number retired. That honor went to Carl Barger. 9er would be the first Marlins player to have his number retired. Like I said, nit picky with the wording, but it is something that should be remembered, IMO. And I believe Jeff would agree.

Jeff, this is Robert Jamison, Phil Jamison's nephew. You were my idol as a kid. Your mom used to always make sure I got autographed cards when you were in the minors. Aside from your parents, I probably have the largest Jeff Conine card, ball, and newspaper clipping collection on the planet. You inspired me to reach for my dreams and not to ever give up. Your career has been one of the main inspirations for many aspects of my life and I just wanted to say thank you for showing myself and countless others that determination and hard work do pay off. God bless you and your family as you move into the next stage of your life.

Jeff, you are the man. I've been watching you play ball since I was a lil turd.

Thank you for all that you have done for the organization. You are a class act.

 

Adam, Booneville, KY

Dear Mr. Marlin:

 

Since '93 when Florida first saw those black, white, and teal uniforms you won me and all fish fans over. There arent words to express how much you are truly respected in my eyes and there isnt enough gratitude in the world for the happiness and memories you brought me as a Marlins' fan. Thank you for showing me what a true ball player is and what one should be not just on the field however off the field. My most profound memory was in 2004 when I was able to meet you at fan fest and since that day I've always compared meeting any player to the way Jeff Conine treated me. So humble and modest. Thank you again and again to one of our greats. Enjoy your retirement with your family and I hope to see you when we retire your number from the team. Mr Marlin forever.

 

Love Renee :notworthy

Please get those letters in ASAP if you still want to include one. I'll give this a few more days.

Jeff,

 

My uncle is almost 60 and still plays racquetball all the time. I hope you continue in your excellence, and take that ball game to a new level! I really can't say more than what's already been mentioned. You know how much we care about you in the community and I wish you the best of luck with your life.

 

Scott

Jeff,

 

I was at your first ever ballgame for the Marlins, still my favorite sporting memory of all time. Opening day, first time I ever saw the grass of a Major League Baseball field, and you amazed this 11 year old kid at the time by going 4-4. From that day on, you became my favorite player and I will always associate you with my greatest baseball moment. Thanks for the memory.

 

I was even lucky enough to meet you in person at your namesake Restaurant and tell you this story in person! Thanks, you will always be held in the highest regard here in South Florida.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Ricky

Jeff

You are the man! and your contributions on and off the field will never be forgotten. You made Marlins fans proud. I still remember how you buried those Phillies during the 2003 Wild Card chase. Those memories will be treasured for years to come.

 

Best of luck for you and your love ones as you embark on new challenges.

 

Sincerely,

AJ (Weston FL)

 

"Life is a journey, not a destination. . . ."

Jeff,

 

When I came to this country it was hard to root for any team, for there I had no connection to anything that had to do with American baseball. I had always followed the game like a religion, but there was an emptiness. It was the way you played the game and how proudly you wore the teal and black that made me a Marlins fan.

 

Thank you for the memories,

Joey Oliva

Jeff,

 

Your work ethic and dedication to the game of baseball in South Florida rightly earned you the nickname "Mr. Marlin." Your contributions to the championship teams in 1997 and 2003 are what put you in a separate class of athletes. Congratulations on a wonderful career.

 

Greg "geemoney" Parks

Dear Jeff,

 

I just want to say that its been a pleasure watching you play baseball as a marlin or any team you've played with.

I remember going to the games and always hoping you would get a hit and it didnt matter what uniform you were wearing.

I thank you for your contributions in 97 and 03. I'll never forget when i read in the papers that you were coming back to the marlins in 03 and i will also never forget that throw you made to the plate in the NLDS.

I just wish you would have ended your career here instead of New York but thats fine.

You will forever be my favorite marlin of all time and you will forever be mr.marlin

 

Thank you for everything...

 

Steve.

I'll be closing this Sunday evening so get those letters in ASAP if you haven't already.

Dear Mr. Marlin,

 

Thanks for all the great memories of the two World Series victories and thanks for the great eatery that bares your name. You name will be missed in the world of baseball and hopefully it will be done right and you can retire a Marlin, cause your name is now synonymous with this franchise.

 

Good luck in future endeavors and trust the fans in when we say that we will never forget you.

 

Good Luck No. 19

 

Roman Garcia

Miami, Fl

Mr. Conine,

 

You have helped turn the franchise into a 2 time World Series Champion! I have a signed ball by you, and I will cherish it forever.

 

Thanks,

Michael

Boca Raton, FL

Dear Jeff,

 

That throw you made on Snow in the NLDS still gives me chills.

 

Sincerely, Greg.

Last day for those letters.

Jeff,

 

Thanks for all of the memories. You made my many trips to Phillies-Marlins games special with your efforts. May you succeed in your post-baseball life as well.

 

Matt

(FishFanInPA)

Thanks for the letters everyone, I'll be sending them to Jeff this week.