Major League Baseball

Jeter Fires Marlins Executives Conine, McKeon, Dawson and Perez

Derek Jeter has fired Marlins executives Jeff Conine, Jack McKeon, Andre Dawson and Tony Perez

Derek Jeter has begun cleaning house in the Miami Marlins front office with the four key terminations, according to the Miami Herald.

Jeter asked current team president David Samson to terminate relationships with Jack McKeon, Jeff Conine, Tony Perez and Andre Dawson. The four men were serving as special assistants to Samson and owner Jeffrey Loria. Samson will not be retained by the new ownership group either.

Assuming they are approved by Major League Baseball, Jeter and Bruce Sherman are expected to take control of the Marlins in October. In addition to front office changes, the roster could also see some tweaking. Miami is in financial trouble and has contracts on the rise. Jeter may opt to reduce payroll in his first off-season in charge of the team.

McKeon managed the Marlins in the 2003 World Series and was a fan favorite in his two stints as skipper. The fiery manager won over his players and became a household name in Miami. 

“No question you’re sad. I’m disappointed, but you understand. A new regime is coming in and they want their new people in there. You can’t fault them with that,” said McKeon.

Conine was a member of both World Series championship teams for the Marlins and remained with the team in recent seasons on and off the mic. It remains to be seen if Conine will continue to appear on television programming for the Marlins. His on-field work with the team is expected to come to an end regardless.

Dawson and Perez are both members of the Baseball Hall of Fame and have also worked on the field at times. Dawson played briefly with the Florida Marlins and Perez served as manager at one time.

“Different direction and I completely understand that. Like I told David, I’m thankful and expressed my gratitude. They gave me an opportunity post-career. I guess that’s what ownership does, and they have the right to do that. I didn’t know what was going to happen going forward. Nothing really surprises me. Life goes on,” said Dawson.

The fates of other front office executives such as President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill could be decided in the coming days as well.

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