Called Up To The Big Show In The Sky…John Marzano

Sad news out of Philly, folks, as John Marzano, the former big league catcher who played ten years with the Red Sox, Rangers, and Mariners, was found dead in his home after suffering what appears to have been a heart attack on April 19th. John didn’t play much because he primarily was a back-up, but he did manage to go yard 11 times over 794 at bats and hit .241. John become a cult hero in Seattle when he socked Yankee outfielder Paul O’Neill during a game in 1996 after Paul complained to the umpire about a pitch that was high and inside.

He was also a member of what should have been one of the greatest amateur baseball teams ever assembled, the 1984 US Olympic squad. I say “should have been” because despite having future All-Stars at the plate like Will Clark, Mark McGwire, and B.J. Surhoff, and twenty game winner to be Bill Swift pitching alongside Bobby Witt, they lost in the finals to Japan.

After hangin’ ‘em up (see what I did there?) John began a career in broadcasting, and had been making good progress. At the time of his passing he was in his second year with BaseballChannel.tv, and also co-hosted the show “Leading Off” every weekday morning in Philadelphia.

Marzano’s last public appearance was on “Daily News Live” on April 17th. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren. Rest in peace, John, and if I ever come across Paul O’Neill I will sock him a good one for you.