#763) JEFF CONINE

Jeff Conine was traded to the New York Mets from the Cincinnati Reds for Sean Henry and Jose Castro on August 20, 2007. The Mets lost Damion Easley to a severe ankle sprain and turned to the veteran Conine to bolster the bench during a late season pennant run. Jeff had stated from the start of the season that 2007 would be his final year as a player. "This is it," he said. "I cannot think of a better way to go out than doing it in the playoffs in New York." Conine helped out as a pinch hitter, first baseman, and outfielder in 21 games, but the Mets faded at the end of the season and finished second to the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Eastern Division. "Niner" left the Mets when he rejoined the Florida Marlins as a free agent on March 28, 2009. Jeff signed a one day deal that allowed him the opportunity to retire in a Marlins uniform.

After his playing career Jeff Conine began training for triathlons and participated in the Ford Ironman World Championship in October 2008. "Mr. Marlin" continues to work for the Florida baseball club as a special assistant to the team president.

Jeff Conine signed his card in the set for my friend, Frank at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 9, 2009.