John Marzano

John Marzano
Catcher
Born: (1963-02-14)February 14, 1963 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died: April 19, 2008(2008-04-19) (aged 45) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 31, 1987, for the Boston Red Sox
Last MLB appearance
September 23, 1998, for the Seattle Mariners
MLB statistics
Batting average	.241
Home runs	11
Runs batted in	72
Stats at Baseball Reference
Teams
Boston Red Sox (1987–1992) Texas Rangers (1995) Seattle Mariners (1996–1998)
Medals Representing United States Men's Baseball Summer Olympics 1984 Los Angeles Team Pan American Games 1983 Caracas Team Intercontinental Cup 1983 Brussels Team

John Robert Marzano (February 14, 1963 – April 19, 2008), commonly referred to as "Johnny Marz", was an American professional baseball catcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners, from 1987 to 1992 and 1995 to 1998. Generally utilized as a backup catcher, Marzano was a member of division champions with the 1988 and 1990 Red Sox, and the 1997 Mariners, for whom he posted a .287 batting average. During his playing days, he stood 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall, weighing 185 pounds (84 kg). Marzano batted and threw right-handed.

Early life

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marzano graduated from its Central High School, and briefly attended Holy Family College, studying radiologic technology. Marzano attended Temple University, where he played catcher for the Owls' baseball team from 1982 to 1984. He finished his collegiate career with a .413 average. An All-American by three different organizations in 1984, Marzano batted .448 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI. He finished his career as the all-time Temple University leader in batting average, slugging percentage, and home runs.

In the 1984 Major League Baseball draft, he was selected 14th overall by the Boston Red Sox of the American League and was a member of the silver medal-winning Team USA at the 1984 Olympic Games.

Professional career

As a reserve catcher with the Mariners in 1996, Marzano became a cult hero in Seattle when he threw a haymaker at New York Yankees outfielder Paul O'Neill during a game in the Kingdome on Wednesday, August 28. It occurred after O'Neill complained to the umpire about a pitch from reliever Tim Davis was high and inside; the ensuing brawl in the eighth inning resulted in six ejections.

In later years, Marzano was the usual guest of Phillies Post Game Live on Comcast SportsNet. He co-hosted a show with Rob Charry on Saturdays, and was also a regular guest on WIP's morning show. He also commonly appeared on AT&T Daily News Live with Michael Barkann on Comcast SportsNet. He also founded the Marzano Baseball Academy in 1991.

At the time of his death, Marzano was in his second year of work with Major League Baseball's BaseballChannel.tv. He co-hosted the show Leading Off with Vinny Micucci every weekday morning.

Death

Marzano died unexpectedly, April 19, 2008, at age 45, at his home on Passyunk Avenue, in the city's South Philadelphia neighborhood. He was found after having fallen down a flight of stairs. It was originally speculated that he may have suffered a heart attack, but the Medical Examiner's Office reported on July 17 that his death was actually caused by positional asphyxia after the way his body landed after the fall. His last public appearance was on Daily News Live on Thursday, April 17, from the Wachovia Center. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren. He is buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania.

External links

• Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
• John Marzano Baseball Academy / Tribute Site
• John Marzano at The Deadball Era
• John Marzano at Find a Grave