Phightin' Phils Phorum is saddened to report the passing of John Robert Marzano. John died today after falling down the steps at his home in South Philadelphia. John Marzano was a favorite of every Phillies fan and many 610 WIP listeners. We are saddened to bring this news and will update the details when they become more clear. It is unclear at this time whether the former 1984 Olympic team member
died from the fall or had suffered a heart attack first. Here is what we now as of now.

Marzano, a native of South Philadelphia, was found dead inside his home
on Passyunk Ave. in the city, a published report indicates. It was
there, the report states, that a family member called police to break
down the door where Marzano apparently fell. It has not been determined
if Marzano suffered a heart attack or simply fell.

Marzano
graduated from Philadelphia’s Central High School and Temple
University, where he was a member of the school’s athletic Hall of
Fame. As a catcher for Temple, Marzano earned a spot on the 1984 U.S.
Olympic team before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first
round (14th overall pick) of the 1984 draft.

Marzano played in
the big leagues for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners. He also played
in the minors for the Indians and Phillies organizations.

Following
his playing days, Marzano worked as an analyst for Comcast SportsNet on
Phillies Post Game Live. He also appeared regularly on Philadelphia
radio station 610-WIP. For the past two years Marzano worked for Major
League Baseball’s web site where he co-hosted a show with Vinny Micucci
every morning."

Marzano was from Philadelphia and had been working for Major League
Baseball's Web site, where he co-hosted a show on weekday mornings.

"John
was a beloved member of our team, a personable, terrific friend to all
with whom he worked," said Bob Bowman, chief executive officer of MLB
Advanced Media. "He was an engaging, informed interviewer. His energy,
knowledge of the game and comedic touch produced admirable results. We
miss him dearly already."

MLB.com will establish an internship program in Marzano's name.

"The Phillies family is saddened by the news of John Marzano's untimely
death," Phillies president David Montgomery said in a statement. "John
was an endeared member of the Philadelphia sports community who not
only represented our city well as both an athlete and a broadcaster,
but also had incredible passion for the games we play. Our deepest
condolences go out to the Marzano family at this difficult time."

"Comcast SportsNet suffered a great loss today with the sudden passing
of John Marzano. John was a beloved member of our CSN family and he
will be dearly missed.

You
knew the moment John entered the building because his infectious laugh
permeated throughout our offices. His love and passion for baseball and
life were a winning combination that endeared him to staff and viewers
alike. John never forgot his Philadelphia roots and was thrilled to
have a career talking Phillies baseball.

 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family, including his wife Terri, his daughters Danielle and Dominique and his two grandchildren.”

John, I speak for all Phillies fans and MLB, we will miss you! Marzano is dead at 45.