Born on February 14th, 1963, John Marzano always seemed destined for great things. The date of his birth was befitting of the man he would be become. A loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. And the rare professional athlete who epitomized what Philadelphian‘s look for in a player, no matter the sport.

Mr. Marzano was found dead earlier today, after an apparent fall down a flight of stairs, believed to be caused from an apparent heart attack, but reports from the coroner’s office have yet to be released.

Born and raised in the South Philadelphia area, Mr. Marzano elected to go to college at Temple University after graduating from Central High, despite being drafted in the 3rd round of the Baseball Amateur Draft in 1981. He starred at Temple for 3 years as a catcher and was drafted in the first round (14th overall), by the Boston Red Sox in 1984. That same year, he also earned a spot on Team USA Baseball.

His major league career began with Boston in ’87, and he had a short stint with the Texas Rangers before he found a home in Seattle in 1996, playing for Lou Pinella’s Mariners. He also spent time in the Phillies and Indians‘ farm systems.

Perhaps his most famous moment in the Majors was a fight that ensued after New York Yankee Paul O’Neil took exception to an inside pitch. As he started to go after the Seattle Pitcher, Mr. Marzano came from behind and head locked O’Neil. Just like any Philadelphian, he protected his family, and it epitomized not only his love for the game, but his love for his teammates as well.

It wasn’t until after his days were over, however, that Mr. Marzano touched the hearts of many Philadelphians and baseball fans around the country. He began his broadcast career as a guest host on 610 WIP, and quickly became a fan favorite for his outstanding breakdown of players and teams, not to mention his colorful stories about former teammates like Roger Clemens and Ken Griffey Jr.

Two years ago, he began what looked to be a very promising career with MLB.com’s Baseball Channel, and was quickly garnering the respect of baseball insiders everywhere. It seemed to me to be a matter of time before he caught on to team as a coach or or front office exec, although he seemed at home behind the microphone.
Mr. Marzano was the rare baseball player who could match good skill and sound fundamentals with a great personality and warm demeanor. It was rare to see him without a smile.

On behalf of Hot Stove Philly, I would like to send out our deepest condolences to his wife Terri, Daughters Dominique and Danielle, and two grandchildren, but also to those who watched his career from high school and through the majors as well as enjoyed his great commentary on baseball. I know I did.

Mr. Marzano’s passing has touched many and his legacy will not be soon forgotten. Due to the suddenness of his death, it is truly hard to put into words what an effect he had to those who watched him play and listened to his commentary, but we may never hear another like him in terms of his knowledge, candor, humor, and quite simply his love of the game.

At a time when I was starting to tire of baseball and it’s boorish players and owners, John changed that attitude for me. With his stories about watching Griffey crash into walls and catching Roger Clemens fastballs, he was literally one of us, living out our dreams. He was truly an extension of the heart and soul of all Philadelphians, and he made me remember why I loved the game so much as a child. It wasn’t about the players as much as it was the majestic beauty of the game. People who truly understand baseball, realize there’s much more to it than balls and strikes, and he made me remember that.

So thank you John. You’re one of the rare people who truly made his mark on life and on others. Goodbye and God Bless. You will always have a place in my Hall of Fame.