<p>MIAMI &mdash; Jeff Conine was hired Friday as the new associate head coach at FIU, where the former All-Star and two-time World Series winner will oversee hitting and player development.</p>
<p>Conine spent parts of 17 seasons with six major league clubs, eight of them with the then-Florida Marlins. He was a two-time All-Star selection and was with the Marlins for both of their World Series titles in 1997 and 2003.</p>
<p>“Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to be a champion. He’s a two-time World Series champion who believes in simplicity and performance,” FIU coach Mervyl Melendez said. “Our hitters will gain a vast knowledge of what it takes to compete day in and day out. He’s a great addition to our staff.”</p>
<p>Conine worked in the Marlins’ front office for nearly a decade after his playing days and was a guest instructor at Baltimore Orioles’ spring training in 2020. His son, Griffin Conine, is a top prospect in the Marlins’ organization.</p>
<p>“I’m incredibly excited to be able to work with the talented student-athletes at FIU. Being a South Floridian, it’s a blessing to have the chance to work at a great program and University in my own backyard,” Conine said. “I’m very appreciative for the opportunity and look forward to our bright future at FIU.”</p>
<p>Conine batted .285 in his career with 214 home runs and 1,071 RBIs. He went 4 for 4 in the Marlins’ first game in 1993, was selected for the All-Star Game in each of the next two years and was the All-Star MVP in 1995.</p>