COGHLAN CONNECTS

The Marlins Chris Coghlan (Dans 2004-Ole' Miss) unloaded on a belt-high fastball from Milwaukee starter Braden Looper last night for a 403-foot, 2 run homer in the 1st inning. "As soon as I hit it, with the direction where it was, I didn't think it was going to be high enough," Coghlan said. "I knew I hit it hard, but just not high. I was thinking double out of the box, and as I was rounding 1st, I knew it was going to be close. I put my head down and I looked back up and nobody was running. I was like 'Oh, my gosh, I just hit a home run."

The ball was caught by a fan who, after much negotiation with the Marlins, returned the ball. "I only get one first home run ball. I wanted to get it and give it to my mom." said Coghlan.

16th DAN GETS THE CALL

After driving in 6 runs for AAA New Orleans last Wednesday, Chris Coghlan (Dans 2004-Ole'Miss) walked off the field and learned he was heading to the majors. "He's one of those kids who has always had the knack to get the barrel to the ball, from high school to Ole Miss, all the way through the system." said Dan Jennings, Marlins VP of player personnel. With the Dans, Chris hit .313 playing 3rd base. He is expected to play 2nd and outfield with the Marlins. "It's everything I've worked for since I was a little kid," Coghlan said of going to the majors.

Coglan started last night (Friday, May 8, 2009) at 2nd base, going 2 for 4 with a walk. He got his 1st hit in the 5th inning. "It was great to be able to get it out of the way." Coghlan said. "I was fortunate to put it in the right place. I hit if off the end of the bat and fortunately it went far enough and in the hold enough to fall through."

According to the Rockies web site, much of the experience was a blur for the 23 year old from Tarpon Springs, FL, as the adrenaline pumped during the 5th inning rally he helped spark. "I just remember Todd Helton saying, 'Hey, you're not going to say hello?" Coghlan said of his experience standing on base next to the Rockies' five-time All-Star first baseman. "I started laughing. That was the last time I thought about it all. I just made sure to say hello to him the next time I got on."

As a Dan, Chris was coached by Bill Ferrari.