This story was excerpted from Christina De Nicola's Marlins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine was a young kid when his parents, Jeff and Cindy, demonstrated the importance of giving back to the community.
“Mr. Marlin” began hosting the Conine All-Star Golf Classic in 1995, with proceeds benefitting Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. After three years, funds were directed specifically to what was then called the Visitor’s Clubhouse, a place where families can stay free of charge while their child receives long-term treatment in the hospital. The Conines stopped by on Thanksgiving and Christmas to decorate, serve meals and spend time with the families.
More than $8.5 million has been raised to fully fund the operating expenses every year. Over 25,000 families have resided at the renamed Conine Clubhouse.
The philanthropic efforts have continued for the 28-year-old Conine, who was named the Marlins’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. The honor is presented annually to a Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.
Fans can vote for the overall winner among the 30 nominees (one from each team) until next Sunday.
“It's a huge honor to be representing the Marlins in this way,” Conine said. “It’s really, really cool, especially with it being more of an off-the-field situation and just something I've been passionate about for a while. … Just being involved in the community in any way has always been important to me. I think my dad kind of paved the way for that.”
Added Jeff: “Obviously, the baseball is first and foremost, but all the other stuff's real life. When you can make an impact, I think he really gets it now. In his brief time in the big leagues, he sees how much kids look up to him and how he's able to impact someone's life by doing charitable stuff. I just couldn't be more proud. I'm as proud of that as I am of the baseball stuff. A long time ago, I was a nominee as well, and just to be able to share that award with him is pretty special.”
Conine, who underwent what was initially believed to be season-ending left shoulder surgery in late April, wanted to make the most of his time away from the diamond. So he told director of player and alumni relations, Luis Dorante Jr., to let him know about any community events.
Through the Miami Marlins Foundation, Conine focused his volunteerism on youth development. It began with Opening Day ceremonies for the Marlins Youth Academy’s Spring Tee Ball Initiative, which comprised more than 4,000 kids in 26 leagues across South Florida.
At the Beep Ball Classic, an adaptive baseball experience for blind and visually impaired young adults, Conine spotlighted the importance of inclusivity in sports. During Billy’s Summer Reading Challenge, Conine read aloud to the children and shared stories from his personal experiences at a local library. Conine later joined the P.L.A.Y. (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) clinic, a Major League Baseball initiative that promotes youth wellness and physical activity. With 150 participants in attendance, Conine spoke about health, nutrition and the importance of staying active.
On Coloring Book Day, Conine visited Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's Alex’s Place, a space designed to support young patients and their families. Throughout the season, Conine supported the Marlins Foundation's efforts to honor individuals who make a positive impact in the community.
Conine, who also volunteered at teammate Xavier Edwards’ annual baseball camp in December, would like to do even more. He hopes to host his own camp and see Conine Clubhouse continue to expand.
“It's a great feeling,” Conine said. “I remember being a kid, of course, at one point, and always looking up to players. We have this platform as players that not many people have just as far as influence goes and what you can do with the community and things like that. I think there's somewhat of a responsibility to be there for the next generation. I never would pass up on any opportunity to do a camp with kids, work with kids. I think that's kind of what it's all about.
“That's my favorite thing to do, as far as working with the community, because I still remember so clearly how I felt at that age and how cool the path I got to enjoy being close to so many big league players. And I know that's a very rare thing for a kid, so anytime I can kind of reverse the roles and be that role model is really like a full circle, cool moment for me.”