John Marzano Dead At 45
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sat, April 19, 2008 11:31 PM | Comments: 12
Posts
Former Phillies catcher and Comcast SportsNet personality John Marzano was found dead today. He reportedly fell down a flight of stairs in his South Philadelphia home. He was 45.
The catcher played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, including one in the Phillies organization (he played for Scranton Wilkes-Barre in 1994). After retiring, he returned to his native Philadelphia, where he became a respected analyst for Comcast SportsNet, host for 610 WIP AM and Web sports analyst.
I’ll always connect myself to “Johnny Marz” because he was a graduate of Central High School, my alma mater. He was probably Central’s favorite baseball son. He then graduated from Temple University and has always showed his allegiance to Philadelphia. Sad day for the Phillies family and for all of sports in Philadelphia — Marzano will be sorely missed.
Posts: 0 Bruce
I’m shocked to learn of Marzano’s death. I first got to see and hear his baseball analysis on those post game shows by Comcast Sports Network. He was most impressive with his knowledge of the game. One can truly say that he told it like it is not be described as a “homer” for the team.
MY deepest sympathy to his family.
Posted: 12:21 AM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 Geoff
Thats a shame. He seemed like a very jovial personality on air. He certaintly knew his baseball, thats for sure.
Posted: 12:48 AM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 Jason
I’m also a Central High alum. When I first heard of this news today, I was totally overwhelmed. I did not even meet the man, but I felt considerable pain and anguish as if I had lost a family member. We will miss you dearly, Johnny.
Posted: 01:42 AM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 Jennifer Wilson Springs
I had the privilege of knowing John when he played baseball at TU for my father, Skip Wilson. John was a fun, loving guy who always wore a smile and knew how to have a good time. He was a loyal and dedicated friend to my father through the years and I know that dad will miss his frequent phone chats with John tremendously! May he rest in peace. Blessings to the family in this time of sorrow. With much love.
JWS
Posted: 02:02 AM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 john marzano | gradedirectory
[...] John Marzano Dead At 45Former Phillies catcher and Comcast SportsNet personality John Marzano was found dead today. He reportedly fell down a flight of stairs in his South Philadelphia home. He was 45. The catcher played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, Phillies Nation – http://www.philliesnation.com [...]
Posted: 03:36 AM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 Heather
When I heard the news, it was utter disbelief. Jonny Marz was larger than life. I always looked forward to seeing or hearing him in any medium.
Today is a sad day.
Posted: 08:09 AM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 OZ
JWS – I met your father once – when I was a grad asst at GWU and we’re playing TU. Really, really nice guy.
Johnny Marz – never met him, but always enjoyed his warmth & wisdom on the radio waves. R.I.P. my good man. thoughts & prayers to his loved ones.
Posted: 01:47 PM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 VonHayes
He obviously loved what he was doing. You have to be envious of that. God Bless his family.
Posted: 03:30 PM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 ryan
this sucks. i remember watching him go crazy on DNL before the flyers game on thursday. he even threatened to fight one of the capitals. he was in rare form. that’ll be the last image of him for most people
Posted: 11:14 PM on April 20, 2008
Posts: 0 stuart
Best baseball analyst around. Never afraid to tell it like it is. He was the main reason I watched Phillies games recaps…even after I watched the whole game. I will truly miss him, he had no equal in my book.
Posted: 08:03 AM on April 21, 2008
Posts: 0 Colin Mitchell
John Marzano will truly be missed, I can say I had the pleasure of competing in High School with John…( Central vs. Germantown Philadelphia Public League 1982-1983) . John Marzano was known as “Man amoung the Boys”; even in High School the word was to play John from the “Fence in” due to the fact that he always hit screaming liners deep to the outfield. He was a Great Guy and a phenomoninal player. In recent times I’ve listened to Johnny Marz’s color commentary with Comcast, he provided great insight and with pride I now, and will always say to family and friends I once played in the “Sand Lot” with that Central Great, Olympic and Professional and he was a shining example and solid Philadelphia Son. God Bless.
Posted: 08:12 AM on April 21, 2008
Posts: 0 The Big Irish
A true loss for all Philly sports fans, especially baseball fans. The guy was an idol of mine. We both grew up in South Philly at the same time. We both became catchers. He ended his career wearing the #17 that I wore for a long time in the game. He was a South Philly kid who became an Olympian, a first round draft pick, and a major leaguer. Most importantly, the guy not only never forgot where he came from, he never really left. That he was living on Passyunk Avenue in South Philly and working in local media with Comcast when he died is a testament to his love and devotion for his hometown. He will always be remembered with fondness, appreciation, and respect by this fan. God bless his family at this difficult time.
Posted: 01:42 PM on April 22, 2008