John Marzano #757

This week, Johnny Marz! Born and raised in South Philadelphia, John Marzano and his dad spent hundreds of hours working on his swing. That work made him a star for the Temple Owls and Team USA! He was a first round pick for the Boston Red Sox but never established himself as a starter. But through hard work and a great attitude, Marzano played 10 seasons in MLB! After his playing days, Marzano went into broadcasting with the Philadelphia Phillies. He did the postgame show and was a funny and engaging personality, but sadly his life was cut short by an accident. He passed away in 2008 at just 45 years old. 

RIP John Marzano.

Topics: Ira Einhorn, tomatoes, half ball

Listen:

 

Links: 

Marzano SABR Bio by John Stefano 

Tomato Laws from the NY Times

The Tragic Death of John Marzano 

Marzano Tackles Shelby 

Marzano with a big swing on Paul O’Neill:  

Harry Kalas and Johnny Marz:  

Herm Winningham #614

This week, it's Reds Hot Rapper Herm Winningham! Herm Winningham was drafted in the 1st Round of 3 different MLB drafts, finally signing with the Mets. He had played only 14 MLB games when he was part of the trade that brought Gary Carter to NY. Herm would play 4 seasons with the Expos, 4 with the Reds, and end his career in Boston. While with the Reds he scored the winning run in 1990 World Series Game 4 after bunting for a hit on an 0-2 count!

Topics - pig prizes, Mike Sharperson, Orangeburg

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Bob Horner #50T

 

This week, a Golden Spikes winner, #1 pick, all star, NPB slugger Bob Horner! Bob had an amazing home run rate with Atlanta and could have been a 500 Home Run hitter if not for injuries. His first 3 seasons he averaged 44 homers per 162 games, unfortunately he never came close to playing 162 games. He had the potential to be an all time great...but injuries and collusion forced him to NPB at 28. He was a star in one season for the Yakult Swallows hitting .327 with 31 homers. He returned briefly to MLB for this card! 

Topics: wrasslin, weight bonuses, collusion

Listen:
 

Links:

SABR Games Project article about the brawl 

Should Atlanta have traded Bob Horner? 

1981 SI Article about Bob  

SI Article about Bob the #1 Pick  

Bob takes a shot at NPB 

Whitey has concerns about Bob

The Brawl video:

  

Bob’s 4 Home Run Game: