PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 18: Anthony Varvaro #38 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on April 18, 2013 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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.
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.
He was 37 years old is survived by his wife and four children.