Former MLB Reliever Tragically Killed In Car Accident

Horrific news in the baseball world on Sunday. At the young age of just 37, former standout Atlanta Braves reliever Anthony Varvaro was killed in a car accident. As a New York police officer, he was on his way to Manhattan's 9/11 services to honor his fallen comrades when the crash tragically took his life. 

Anthony Varvaro was a terrific guy. Loved by teammates and everyone else who knew him. R.I.P. https://t.co/FpB86fnRh1

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) September 11, 2022

From 2010 through 2015, Varvaro pitched 183.2 innings in the majors, all but 15 of them with the Atlanta Braves. He compiled a 3.23 ERA. 

He retired from baseball in 2016 and returned to his home of Staten Island, to become a Port Authority police officer. Less than a year ago, he was inducted into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame.  

Congratulations Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro on his induction into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame. P.O. Varvaro's #PAPD career was proceeded by his Major League Baseball career.#SISHOF #PAPDPROTECTSNYNJ #PAPBA #PANYNJ #MLBhttps://t.co/kWFmJ4kGC7 pic.twitter.com/msIz09ch1l

— Port Authority PBA (@PAPD911) November 28, 2021

Varvaro's first role with the Port Authority was serving as an officer at the World Trade Center Command. 

“Anthony’s life was taken from us as he prepared to honor the lives of the 37 Port Authority police officers who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center,” said Frank Conti, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. “Police Officer Anthony Varvaro will always be honored and never forgotten.” 

Our sincerest condolences go out to Varvaro's family. RIP.

Photos: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports, Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports