MLB: Anthony Varvaro Retires To Become Police Officer

Former Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Anthony Varvaro retired from professor baseball last Friday so that he could pursue a new job, a New York police officer.

Anthony Varvaro, a 31-year old reliever was pitching for the AAA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, the Pawtucket Red Sox, when he decided to retire from the game right in the middle of the season.

Varvaro has decided to change career paths from the mound to the police force. He will enter New York’s Port Authority Police Department incoming academy class of 102 recruits.

The West Brighton (New York) resident was pitching well in AAA ball before deciding to change career paths. He had a 2-2 record with the PawSox with an ERA of 2.83 with 31 strikeouts.

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Varvaro was still recovering from Tommy John Surgery that he had in 2015, and was designated for assignment to Pawtucket in the beginning of the season by Boston. With the Red Sox struggles for pitching, his move away from baseball shows his desire to join the force.

In fact, according to silive.com, Varvaro had opt out clauses in his contract in case he was called for the Port Authority Police Department.

In his career, Varvaro peaked when he was the setup man for the Braves in the 2014-2015 season. He was drafted by the Mariners in the 2005 Amateur Draft, but would go on to only pitch in four games for Seattle.

He had most of his success in Atlanta pitching 168.2 innings with a 2.99 ERA and 137 strikeouts over four seasons.

Following those successful seasons, Varvaro then signed with the Boston Red Sox. He would only pitch in 9 games before having Tommy John Surgery.

The team has placed Varvaro on the voluntarily retired list.

Varvaro has spent his whole life in New York besides from his baseball career. He was born on Staten Island, and attended high school on the island as well. He also attended St. Johns University in Queens.

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Port Authority Police Department Academy began classes on Monday, which is why Varvaro decided to end his career when he did.