Ex-Brave goes from pitcher to police officer

Former Braves’ relief pitcher Anthony Varvaro grew up on New York’s Staten Island, surrounded by people who dedicated their lives as servicemen and women.

After Varvaro lived his childhood dream of playing in the MLB, he too decided to dedicate his life to the greater good and ultimately became a police officer for the Port Authority Police Department.

In an interview by ESPN, Varvaro describes taking his entrance exam at the Port Authority Police Department while he was still playing professional baseball. Varvaro received a call offering him an opportunity to join the force while he was still playing for the Boston Red Sox.

Atlanta Braves catcher Gerald Laird, left, speaks with pitcher Anthony Varvaro in the fifth inning of a spring exhibition baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, March 7, 2014, in Fort, Myers, Fla. The Red Sox won 4-1.

Varvaro— who played for the Braves, Red Sox and Seattle Mariners— accepted the offer, playing his last game two days before he started the police academy, his wife Kerry Varvaro said.