Rich Marazzi, Baseball Rules Consultant
On June 29, 2021, Rich Marazzi, Baseball Rules Consultant and Author, along with his wife, Lois, met with Sister Barbara Johnson, FSE, Executive Director, Franciscan Life Center, and Sister Suzanne Gross, FSE, Administrator, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, at the Franciscan Life Center. During this conversation, the Sisters learned how well Rich knew Arnold Dean, for whom the Franciscan “Dean of Sports” award is named. His Silver Sluggers group is an opportunity for his peers to feel like they are “12” again as they remember favorite baseball plays.
Rich is this year’s recipient of the Dean of Sports Award at the 35th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction on October 18, 2021, at the Aqua Turf Club. Rich is a Rules Consultant for twelve professional teams including the Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Royals, Mariners, and Padres. He is also a rules columnist for Baseball Digest and Collegiate Baseball, as well as an author of numerous books.
Other honorees include Eli Manning, former quarterback, New York Giants, Saint Francis Award; Jackie DiNardo, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Danbury High School, Saint Clare Award; Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of The Travelers Companies, Inc., and Nathan Grube, Tournament Director at Travelers Championship, the Jim Calhoun Community Service Award; Tom and Donna Finn, Mother Shaun Appreciation Award, and athletes from Special Olympics Connecticut.