Former Major Leaguer John Marzano Dies at 45 in Philadelphia

NEW YORK, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Major League catcher John
Marzano, 45, a first-round draft pick in 1984, died this weekend at his home
in Philadelphia, where he suffered a fall down a flight of stairs reportedly
after a possible heart attack.
Marzano, who played for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners, was in his
second season as an on-air personality at MLB.com.
"John was a beloved member of our team, a personable, terrific friend to
all with whom he worked," said Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advanced Media. "He was
an engaging, informed interviewer. His energy, knowledge of the game and
comedic touch produced admirable results. We miss him dearly already."
MLB.com will immediately establish an internship program in memory of
Marzano, who in addition to being drafted 14th overall in 1984 earned a spot
on Team USA for the Olympics.
"Words cannot describe how sorry we are to have lost John's inspiring
presence, but rest assured, his spirit and legacy will always influence us,"
said Dinn Mann, MLB.com's EVP of Content. "Our prayers go out to his family,
his friends and his fans. John simply gave his all every time he went about
doing his job and living his life, always grateful, always striving."
A native of South Philadelphia and born on Valentine's Day in 1963,
Marzano, a member of the Temple University Hall of Fame, showed tremendous
work ethic and determination as a ballplayer and broadcaster.
Marzano played 10 seasons as a catcher in the Majors. The Red Sox weren't
the first team to draft him. The Twins picked him in the third round in 1981
out of high school, but Marzano elected to go to college. Marzano reached the
big leagues within three years after starring at Temple, playing for Boston
from 1987-1992. He was in the Cleveland and Philadelphia farm systems for two
years, then, in 1995, appeared in two games for the Texas Rangers. In 1996, he
earned a spot on Lou Piniella'sSeattle roster and spent three years with the
Mariners.
After retiring as a player, Marzano worked for WIP radio in Philadelphia
and at Comcast SportsNet as a post-game analyst for Phillies games before
catching on full time with MLB.com in 2007.
Marzano was co-host with Vinny Micucci of "Leading Off" on MLB.com's
Baseball Channel every weekday at 9 a.m. Marzano impressed those around him
until the day he died, regularly delivering instructive insight and humor in
his role.
"(Ken Griffey Jr.) lifts and separates better than any hitter I have ever
seen," Marzano said during a recent show, breaking down a highlight. "Having
an opportunity to watch this man play for three years, I was so fortunate --
even though I was sitting on the bench watching him. To watch him and the
plays he made in center field, crashing into walls, sometimes getting hurt,
not worrying about himself but worrying about his team, it was amazing for me
to watch that."
Marzano is survived by his wife Terri, daughters Dominique and Danielle,
and two grandchildren.
SOURCE MLB.com

Matthew Gould , MLB.com, +1-212-485- 8959, cell +1-908-892-3143,
matthew.gould@mlb.com