Port Authority Officer, Former Major League Baseball Pitcher Killed Driving to 911 Memorial
“I was coming off my second elbow surgery and I didn’t really know what direction my baseball career was headed,” he said. “I came to a crossroads where I had to decide if I wanted to keep on playing or move on to a second profession,” Anthony Varvaro told ESPN in 2016.

Anthony Varvaro left big league baseball to join the Port Authority Police Department in 2016. He was killed Sunday driving to a 9/11 memorial. (Photo: Port Authority PD/Facebook)
Former Major League Baseball pitcher and Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro was killed Sunday in a crash while driving to a 9/11 Memorial.
Varvaro—who was a relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs—left baseball five years ago for a career in law enforcement. He told ESPN at the time, “I was coming off my second elbow surgery and I didn’t really know what direction my baseball career was headed,” he said. “I came to a crossroads where I had to decide if I wanted to keep on playing or move on to a second profession.”
Upon graduating the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Academy, he was granted a post upon request at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan, SILive reports.
Said Varvaro at the time: “To be able to work at that specific location, going back to the day of September 11, 2001, I feel like I’m honoring everyone who lost their lives that day.”
Varvaro was killed Sunday after his car was struck by a wrong-way driver along the New Jersey Turnpike.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
For his major league career, Varvaro pitched 183⅔ innings in 166 games, compiling a 3.23 ERA, 150 strikeouts and one save.
In 2016, he appeared in 18 games for Boston's top minor league affiliate before retiring in June and beginning his police training, the Associated Press reports.
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →