Little League® International joins in the mourning of Anthony Varvaro, a 37-year-old father of four who was fatally struck on his way to work by a motorist driving the wrong way on the New Jersey Turnpike on Sunday, September 11, 2022.
A native of Staten Island, and former baseball player at St. John’s University, Mr. Varvaro went on to play professional baseball for six years as a pitcher with the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves before voluntarily retiring from the game in 2016 to become a New York City Port Authority Police Officer.
Taking the exam just two days after throwing his final pitch, Mr. Varvaro served as an officer for the force for the past six years and was on his way to serve at the World Trade Center Command as part of the 9/11 Anniversary Remembrance when the accident occurred.
Mr. Varvaro started his baseball career as a catcher for West Shore Little League in Staten Island, and continued to give back to the sport he loved, serving most recently as the League President for Snug Harbor Little League in Staten Island.
Mr. Varvaro was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 12th round of the 2005 MLB Draft after earning Collegiate Baseball All-America honors and a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team. During his MLB career, he made 166 appearances (153 with Atlanta) for a 3.23 career ERA.
Mr. Varvaro is survived by his wife, Kerry, and their four children.