Anthony Varvaro

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Anthony Varvaro

| image = Anthony Varvaro on July 6, 2014.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Varvaro with the Atlanta Braves in 2014

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1984|10|31}}

| birth_place = Staten Island, New York, U.S.

| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|9|11|1984|10|31}}

| death_place = Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = September 24

| debutyear = 2010

| debutteam = Seattle Mariners

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = April 28

| finalyear = 2015

| finalteam = Boston Red Sox

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 7–9

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 3.23

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 150

| teams =

Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2010}})
Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2014}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2015}})

| awards =

}}

Anthony Michael Varvaro (October 31, 1984 – September 11, 2022) was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox from 2010 to 2015. After Varvaro's baseball career, he became a police officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Amateur career

Varvaro was from the West Brighton neighborhood of Staten Island, a borough of New York City, and played in Little League Baseball in West Shore.{{cite web|url=https://www.silive.com/sports/g66l-2019/05/f18df913217393/islanders-who-made-it-to-the-pros-anthony-varvaros-journey-from-west-brighton-to-the-big-leagues.html|title=Islanders Who Made It To The Pros: Anthony Varvaro's journey from West Brighton to the Big Leagues|first=Nick|last=Regina|work=Staten Island Advance|date=May 19, 2019|accessdate=September 11, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003443/https://www.silive.com/sports/g66l-2019/05/f18df913217393/islanders-who-made-it-to-the-pros-anthony-varvaros-journey-from-west-brighton-to-the-big-leagues.html|url-status=live}} He attended Curtis High School in Staten Island and played for the school's baseball team.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Dan |url=https://nypost.com/2001/05/31/varvaro-gem-puts-curtis-in-the-semis/ |title=Varvaro Gem Puts Curtis In The Semis |publisher=Nypost.com |date=May 31, 2001 |accessdate=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112713/https://nypost.com/2001/05/31/varvaro-gem-puts-curtis-in-the-semis/ |url-status=live }} He graduated in June 2002.

Varvaro attended St. John's University, where he played college baseball for the St. John's Red Storm. In 2004, his junior year, he had a 9–3 win–loss record and a 2.32 earned run average (ERA) while recording 115 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched. He played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League after the season.{{cite web |author= |url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |date= |access-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=December 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207020925/http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2004&T=Harwich_Mariners |title=2004 Harwich Mariners |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003130154/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2004&T=Harwich_Mariners |url-status=live }} In 2015, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Varvaro graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Professional baseball career

=Seattle Mariners=

The Seattle Mariners selected Varvaro in the 12th round of the 2005 MLB draft.{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/2010/07/seattle_mariners_varvaro_ventu.html |title=Seattle Mariners' Varvaro ventures into new territory in Triple-A |publisher=silive.com |date=July 20, 2010 |accessdate=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112620/https://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/2010/07/seattle_mariners_varvaro_ventu.html |url-status=live }} He appeared in five games with the Peoria Mariners in 2006, his first professional season. In 2007, Varvaro played for the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, making 22 appearances, and 21 starts. He led the Timber Rattlers with 112 strikeouts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=2226e7db|title=2007 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 11, 2022|archive-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106163704/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=2226e7db|url-status=live}}

Varvaro spent the 2008 season with the Class-A High Desert Mavericks, appearing in 30 games, 24 of them starts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=fea163d3|title=2008 High Desert Mavericks Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 11, 2022|archive-date=March 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303064030/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=fea163d3|url-status=live}} In 2009, Varvaro split the season with the Mavericks and the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. He made it to the Southern League All-Star Team. Varvaro participated in the Arizona Fall League playing for the Peoria Javelinas.[http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/08/26/local_sports/doc4a959eb85ab44414635081.txt Mariners prioritize long-term prospects] tdn.com[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2009736547_the_peoria_javelinas_of_the_ar.html The Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League will be loaded with top M's prospects] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828023657/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2009736547_the_peoria_javelinas_of_the_ar.html |date=August 28, 2009 }} seattletimes.com He was placed on the Mariners' 40-man roster on November 20.{{cite web |url=http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=5438&line=278877&spln=1 |title=Ezequiel Carrera: Mariners add six to 40-man roster |access-date=November 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616123305/http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=5438&line=278877&spln=1 |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Varvaro began the 2010 season with the Diamond Jaxx, and after playing in the Southern League's all-star game, the Mariners promoted him to the Tacoma Rainiers of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League.{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/sports/2010/09/anthony_varvaro_curtis_hs_prod.html |title=Anthony Varvaro, Curtis HS product, promoted to the Seattle Mariners |publisher=silive.com |date=September 23, 2010 |accessdate=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112713/https://www.silive.com/sports/2010/09/anthony_varvaro_curtis_hs_prod.html |url-status=live }} On September 22, 2010, the Mariners promoted Varvaro along with four others following the conclusion of Tacoma's season.{{cite web |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100922&content_id=14953322&vkey=pr_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |title=Mariners add four to Major League roster |access-date=September 22, 2010 |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529202935/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100922&content_id=14953322&vkey=pr_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead }}

=Atlanta Braves=

On January 13, 2011, the Atlanta Braves claimed Varvaro off waivers.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Braves claim right-hander Varvaro off waivers|url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110113&content_id=16434190&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl|access-date=July 27, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=January 13, 2011|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110142549/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110113&content_id=16434190&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl|url-status=dead}} He began the 2011 season with the Gwinnett Braves of the Triple-A International League and was promoted to the major leagues in July 2011 to make a few appearances out of the bullpen before being returned to Gwinnett.{{cite news|last1=Palladino|first1=Ernie|title=Staten Island pitchers conditioning together for 2012 Major League Baseball season|url=http://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/staten_island_pitchers_conditi.html|access-date=July 27, 2014|newspaper=Staten Island Advance|date=January 27, 2012|archive-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811031836/http://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/staten_island_pitchers_conditi.html|url-status=live}} He was recalled on September 1, 2011.{{cite news|last1=Odum|first1=Charles|title=Atlanta Braves: Hudson and homers are winning combo|url=http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/sports/atlanta-braves-hudson-and-homers-are-winning-combo/article_a80aa4af-1a1a-5a0f-97e8-923675ef486f.html|access-date=July 27, 2014|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Rome News-Tribune|date=September 1, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304142005/http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/sports/atlanta-braves-hudson-and-homers-are-winning-combo/article_a80aa4af-1a1a-5a0f-97e8-923675ef486f.html|url-status=live}} Varvaro compiled a 2.74 ERA in the 123 appearances he made from 2013–14, as he pitched in varied situations, from long relief to right-handed specialist roles.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Varvaro's Braves tenure may be at an end|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/104167794/anthony-varvaros-braves-tenure-may-be-at-an-end|access-date=December 16, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=December 15, 2014|archive-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501235055/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/104167794/anthony-varvaros-braves-tenure-may-be-at-an-end|url-status=dead}} He was designated for assignment on December 15, 2014.{{cite news|title=Callaspo, Braves finalize 1-year deal|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12034556|access-date=December 16, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=December 15, 2014|archive-date=September 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112651/https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12034556|url-status=live}} In four years for Atlanta, he pitched to a 2.99 ERA.{{cite web|url=https://www.torchonline.com/sports/2016/12/08/blasts-from-the-past-former-johnnies-trades-in-his-cleats-for-a-badge/|title=Blasts from the Past: Former Johnnie trades in his cleats for a badge|first=Troy|last=Mauriello|access-date=September 11, 2022|archive-date=August 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828223856/https://www.torchonline.com/sports/2016/12/08/blasts-from-the-past-former-johnnies-trades-in-his-cleats-for-a-badge/|url-status=live}}

=Boston Red Sox=

File:Anthony Varvaro (16421750450) (cropped).jpg

On December 17, 2014, Varvaro was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor leaguer Aaron Kurcz.{{cite news|last1=Calcaterra|first1=Craig|title=The Red Sox acquire Anthony Varvaro from the Braves|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/17/the-red-sox-to-acquire-anthony-varvaro-from-the-braves/|access-date=December 17, 2014|publisher=NBC Sports|date=December 17, 2014|archive-date=December 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218025210/http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/17/the-red-sox-to-acquire-anthony-varvaro-from-the-braves/|url-status=live}} He allowed five runs in 11 innings for the Red Sox and was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on April 29, 2015. He then was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on May 3.{{cite news|title=Cubs claim pitcher off waivers|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12812878|access-date=May 3, 2015|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=May 3, 2015|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524220222/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12812878|url-status=live}} However, the Cubs discovered a torn flexor tendon in his pitching arm. As a result, Varvaro was returned to the Red Sox and required season-ending surgery, being subsequently placed on the disabled list on May 24.{{cite news|title=Island big leaguer Anthony Varvaro going under knife, season over|url=http://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/index.ssf/2015/05/islander_big_leaguer_anthony_v.html|access-date=May 24, 2015|publisher=SIlLIVE.com|date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524220215/http://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/index.ssf/2015/05/islander_big_leaguer_anthony_v.html|url-status=live}} He was released after the 2015 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/2015/11/according_to_gordon_rehabbing.html |title=According to Gordon: Rehabbing Anthony Varvaro OK with free-agent status |publisher=silive.com |date=November 22, 2015 |accessdate=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112646/https://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/2015/11/according_to_gordon_rehabbing.html |url-status=live }}

After recovering, the Red Sox announced they had signed him to a minor league contract on December 15.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Christopher|title=Boston Red Sox rumors: Anthony Varvaro, Sean O'Sullivan, Chris Dominguez among minor league signings|url=http://www.masslive.com/redsox/index.ssf/2015/12/boston_red_sox_rumors_anthony.html|access-date=February 1, 2016|work=The Republican|date=December 15, 2015|archive-date=February 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201155330/http://www.masslive.com/redsox/index.ssf/2015/12/boston_red_sox_rumors_anthony.html|url-status=live}} In 2016, Varvaro was assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/2016/03/anthony_varvaro_reassigned_to.html |title=Anthony Varvaro reassigned to Triple-A by Red Sox |publisher=silive.com |date=March 29, 2016 |accessdate=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112658/https://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/2016/03/anthony_varvaro_reassigned_to.html |url-status=live }} He posted a 3–2 record with a 2.83 ERA and one save in 18 relief appearances, striking out 31 batters while walking 13 in {{frac|28|2|3}} innings of work.

Police career

Varvaro retired from baseball in June 2016 to begin police training with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He became a Port Authority police officer in December 2016.{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=David|title=Ex-Braves reliever joins men in blue|url=http://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/braves-reliever-joins-men-blue/dYnoPeMg3Uve3jYClHB6eN/|access-date=December 11, 2016|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=December 10, 2016|archive-date=December 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210221019/http://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/braves-reliever-joins-men-blue/dYnoPeMg3Uve3jYClHB6eN/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=D'Angelo|first1=Bob|title=Former MLB pitcher graduates from police academy|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/national/former-mlb-pitcher-graduates-from-police-academy/Br2rWfVbybrcBFui9VA6JI/|access-date=December 11, 2016|work=Austin American Statesman|date=December 10, 2016|archive-date=December 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211082119/http://www.statesman.com/news/national/former-mlb-pitcher-graduates-from-police-academy/Br2rWfVbybrcBFui9VA6JI/|url-status=live}} He was assigned to the World Trade Center Command. After five years, he was transferred to the Port Authority's police academy to become an instructor.{{cite web|url=https://apbweb.com/2022/03/from-the-bullpen/|title=From the bullpen|first=Bobby|last=Egbert|work=American Police Beat|date=March 17, 2022|accessdate=September 11, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326171552/https://apbweb.com/2022/03/from-the-bullpen/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Former MLB pitcher Anthony Varvaro dies in car crash on way to 9/11 memorial |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34573298/former-mlb-pitcher-anthony-varvaro-dies-car-crash-way-9-11-memorial |access-date=September 13, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 11, 2022}}

Personal life

Varvaro married Kerry Thomson in 2011.{{cite news|title=Anthony Varvaro, Kerry Thomson are married|url=http://www.silive.com/weddings/index.ssf/2011/12/anthony_varvaro_kerry_thomson.html|access-date=March 24, 2015|work=Staten Island Advance|date=December 24, 2011|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402140417/http://www.silive.com/weddings/index.ssf/2011/12/anthony_varvaro_kerry_thomson.html|url-status=live}} They had four children.{{cite news|last1=Morgan|first1=Joe|title=Varvaro returns from paternity list; Schlosser optioned|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/86268102/varvaro-returns-from-paternity-list-schlosser-optioned|access-date=July 27, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=July 27, 2014|archive-date=December 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217082745/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/86268102/varvaro-returns-from-paternity-list-schlosser-optioned|url-status=dead}} He was a member of the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/sports/2021/11/after-two-year-pandemic-hiatus-staten-island-sports-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-will-be-held-nov-19.html |title=After two-year pandemic hiatus, Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Nov. 19 |publisher=silive.com |date=November 2, 2021 |accessdate=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204102922/https://www.silive.com/sports/2021/11/after-two-year-pandemic-hiatus-staten-island-sports-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-will-be-held-nov-19.html |url-status=live }}

Varvaro died in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver in Jersey City, New Jersey, a short distance from the Holland Tunnel, early on September 11, 2022.{{cite news|title=Port Authority Officer Who Pitched In MLB Killed By Wrong-Way Driver On NJ Turnpike|url=https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/hudson/police-fire/port-authority-officer-who-pitched-in-mlb-killed-by-wrong-way-driver-on-nj-turnpike/843256/|access-date=September 11, 2022|publisher=DailyVoice.com|date=September 11, 2022|archive-date=September 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112716/https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/hudson/police-fire/port-authority-officer-who-pitched-in-mlb-wrong-way-driver-both-killed-in-nj-turnpike-crash/843256/|url-status=live}} He was on his way to serve at the World Trade Center Command in commemoration of the September 11 attacks when the accident happened.{{Cite news |last=Toscano |first=Justin |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Former Braves pitcher dies in auto accident |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/former-braves-pitcher-dies-in-auto-accident/YUCDAB6C6NFIDJPQ2PI5SVSBSU/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912112654/https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/former-braves-pitcher-dies-in-auto-accident/YUCDAB6C6NFIDJPQ2PI5SVSBSU/ |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}} He was 37.