Former Major Leaguer Marzano Dead At 45

Saturday, April 19, 2008

(posted by One More Dying Quail)

Though I became a Red Sox fan in 1988, I don't remember ever watching John Marzano play baseball.

Kevin Romine? Yep. Randy Kutcher? Absolutely. Ed Romero? Vaguely. I can recall any number of players from those days, but Marzano? Marzano remains a mystery to me.

I do recall seeing his name pop up years later, after he had left the Red Sox, missed a couple of years, and resurfaced with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. He finally retired in 1998 and jumped on the path followed by so many former major leaguers, becoming an analyst for the Philadelphia Phillies and cohosting a morning show for Major League Baseball.

Why mention Marzano again, now, after all those years of nothing? Because the 45-year-old was found dead at his home on Saturday. The AP did not immediately note a cause of death, but later reported that he had fallen down a flight of stairs.

I may not remember Marzano, but his passing is still sad. It's always upsetting when the names and faces of your youth start to fade away.

UPDATE: Bugs & Cranks tracked down a nice tribute video that appeared on Comcast SportsNet last night. It provides great insight into Marzano's personality, both on and off the field.

Posted by One More Dying Quail at 7:57 PM

10 Comments:

what a fuckin klutz. shows him right to die.

Anonymous said...
Apr 19, 2008, 9:54:00 PM  

Anonymous 9:54 - Don't ever post anymore nonsense here again, dipshit.

Anonymous said...
Apr 19, 2008, 11:53:00 PM  

Whoa, Johnny Marz is a fixture on local Philadelphia radio and is a really great baseball mind and was really well-respected. He was the main sport radio station 610 WIP all the time. This comes as a shock and he will truly be missed.

Anonymous said...
Apr 20, 2008, 1:16:00 AM  

How can you not remember Marzano? I became a Yankee fan around 1990 and even I remember him! Anyway, sad to see him go.

Jay said...
Apr 20, 2008, 3:36:00 AM  

John reportedly had a heart attack that caused the fall.

As a Sox fan I remember him well, he didnt play a lot but by all reports wasa good teammate. He was alspo very close to Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez.

John was looking forward to his second career in baseball and itsa shame when someone your own age leaves us too early.

Steve M said...
Apr 20, 2008, 11:20:00 AM  

John was a very popular figure here in Philly, not only in covering the Phils but also exhibiting his "fan side" outwardly for all the Philadelphia sports teams. Turned to local news during a break in the Utah-Houston game and, when you see someone like him as the lead story at 11pm you know something has gone terribly wrong. Very sad news.

Sportsattitude said...
Apr 20, 2008, 11:35:00 AM  

shoulda been you schill

-dan

Anonymous said...
Apr 20, 2008, 5:32:00 PM  

9:54, I hope you get deleted. He wasn't a klutz, he had a heart attack. The Mets fan dad who decided it would be fun leaving the stadium sliding down a rail only to fall off and die with his kid's watching though is Darwin Award worthy and I'm a Mets fan.

Anonymous said...
Apr 20, 2008, 7:17:00 PM  

This was truly sad news for those who follow Philly sports. Johnny Marz was a true home-grown kid from South Philadelphia who was passionate about baseball and his work. He and Michael Barkann were spot-on with their post-game analysis on Comcast SportsNet, was always enjoyable to watch.

My heartfelt condolences to his family. It was very hard for his colleagues at CSN to do that wonderful tribute last night, and I'm sure that the Morning Team on WIP will be doing their show Monday morning with heavy hearts because he was much respected.

Anonymous said...
Apr 20, 2008, 7:31:00 PM  

RIP Johnny "Marz" you will be missed here in Philly..condolences to his family....and f**k that jackass first commenter have some god damn class you a-shole

Anonymous said...
Apr 22, 2008, 2:05:00 AM  

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