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April 1, 2008 (Miami, FL) - Affectionately known as "Mr. Marlin," Jeff
Conine of Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins, will compete in the
2008 Ford Ironman World Championship. On October 11, Conine, 41, will
embark on his newest athletic endeavor since his recent retirement, and
join 1,800 athletes in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for the world's most
challenging and prestigious endurance event.
The Ford Ironman World Championship consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112
mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. Athletes are tested both mentally and
physically as they attempt all three disciplines in succession, through
the 140.6 mile journey in the scorching lava fields on the Big Island of
Hawaii. More than 80,000 athletes per year compete in an attempt to
qualify for the Ford Ironman World Championship.
Conine has been an avid fan of Ironman for years, tuning in
each year to the annual NBC broadcast. Additionally, when Florida
Marlins' President, David Samson participated in the 2006 Ford Ironman
World Championship, it sparked a newfound respect and interest in the
event. Conine has completed several duathlons and has set his sights on
this year's St. Anthony's Triathlon and Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida as
training for October's big event.
"While baseball has been my life for the last 20 years, I've
always drawn inspiration from the NBC telecast. The Ironman has been
on my list of 'life's to-dos' and I am thrilled to have the opportunity
to race alongside some of the best athletes in the sport," said Conine.
Conine has seen a successful 17-year major league baseball
career, as first baseman/outfielder. He was a valuable member of both
Marlins' World Series Championships during two separate stints with
Florida, from 1993-1997 and 2003-2005. Additionally, Conine played for
the Orioles, Phillies, Royals and Reds, before he finished up with the
New York Mets last year. Highly regarded and known for his
professionalism on and off the field, Conine officially announced his
retirement from Major League Baseball last Friday, March 28 in Miami at
Dolphin Stadium. Conine and his family reside outside of Miami and
while he's played for other teams in MLB, he says he's always considered
himself a Marlin.
Florida Marlins' President, David Samson says, "As a Ford
Ironman World Championship finisher myself, I am excited to have Jeff
join this elite group. We have already shared a World Series
Championship with the Florida Marlins and I look forward to celebrating
with him the joy and accomplishment of becoming an Ironman."
The Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a world-class facility and the
leading children's hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties, has been
Conine's main charitable undertaking for nearly two decades. He and his
committee have raised more than $2 million through the annual Conine All
Star Classic Golf Tournament, with funds used toward the needs and
day-to-day operations of the Conine Clubhouse at Joe DiMaggio Children's
Hospital in Hollywood, FL. In honor of a friend lost to leukemia last
year, Conine will raise awareness and funds for the opening of a new
unit specializing in Bone Marrow Transplants at Memorial Hospital West.
Additional information on the Ford Ironman World Championship can be
located at Ironman.com.
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