Former Braves pitcher turned cop killed on way to 9/11 memorial
By Amy Kaplan
Former Braves pitcher turned cop, killed on way to 9/11 memorial.
The Atlanta Braves announced the passing of former pitcher, Anthony Varvaro. The post explains that Varvaro left the sport and became a police officer for the Port Authority after six seasons in the MLB.
“We are deeply saddened on the passing of former Braves pitcher Anthony Varvaro. Anthony, 37, played parts of six seasons in the majors, including four with Atlanta. He voluntarily retired from MLB in 2016 to become a Port Authority police officer,” the post reads.
We are deeply saddened on the passing of former Braves pitcher Anthony Varvaro. Anthony, 37, played parts of six seasons in the majors, including four with Atlanta.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 11, 2022
He voluntarily retired from MLB in 2016 to become a Port Authority police officer. pic.twitter.com/YSoisa79o4
It goes on to explain that he was killed in a car accident on the way to a 9/11 memorial service.
“He was en route to serve at the World Trade Center Command in commemoration of September 11, 2001 activities when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues,” the Braves tweeted.
He also played for the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox, but at press time neither team had acknowledged his passing on social media.
Several players and associations also tweeted their condolences.
Pour one out today for my former teammate Anthony Varvaro. One of my favorite teammates. RIP my friend.
— Pat Light (@Pat_Light) September 11, 2022
We are devastated by the passing of Anthony Varvaro, pitcher for the 2009 Peoria Javelinas.
— MLB's Arizona Fall League (@MLBazFallLeague) September 11, 2022
Varvaro pitched in six MLB seasons before voluntarily retiring in 2016 to join New York City’s Port Authority police force. pic.twitter.com/ECxkdWPRRS
On this solemn day, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Officer Anthony Varvaro of the Port Authority Police. The 37-year-old Staten Island native spent most of his 6-year @MLB career with the @Braves, posting a career 3.23 ERA.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) September 11, 2022
We send our sympathy to his loved ones.
He was 37 years old is survived by his wife and four children.