Anthony Attanasio

1939 - 2024

Anthony Attanasio
Tony Attanasio, a trailblazing agent for professional baseball players who was a fierce advocate and source of sage advice for his clients for over 35 years, died on August 30, in San Diego, California. He was 84.
Tony came to the business of player representation when it was neither popular nor profitable. The owners had a vice grip on player compensation and movement, leaving most players beholden to one employer and eligible for miniscule raises no matter their performance. Yet, Tony thrived, forming bonds with his early players that last to this day. He would fight as passionately over a $5,000 raise in 1975 as he did over millions of dollars in 2005. He was motivated by his love for his players, his strong sense of fairness, and his oft-stated belief that a free market should dictate a ballplayer's worth.
Tony's clients over the years are a who's-who in the game. His first client was Bobby Valentine in 1972 and his last client was future Hall-of-Famer Ichiro Suzuki, with too many to name in between. Tony loved them all, and he was more than an agent. He was always a friend, and frequently a source of confidence and motivation through the inevitable challenges of a player's career. More than once he was a father figure for a player who never had one, a marriage counselor in rough times, and the first call in moments both celebratory and challenging.
A pioneer in the use of video and statistical analysis long before "Moneyball," Tony was an extraordinary negotiator. He was one of the first to see that salary arbitration was as important as free agency in ensuring that players were fairly valued and paid. His performances in arbitration hearings were legendary. Tony was also a staunch ally and strategic adviser to the most powerful and successful professional sports union in history, the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Tony was born on October 24, 1939, in Stamford, Connecticut. His father, Cosimo Attanasio, immigrated from Italy through Ellis Island and became a naturalized citizen in 1930. Cosimo was a carpenter and furniture-maker who also worked for many years as a presser in the garment industry in Norwalk. His mother, Mary (Gervasio) Attanasio, was a seamstress who worked long hours doing piecework, yet still managed the family home. Tony was the youngest of three siblings, and he was very close to his brother, Robert, and his sister, Kathryn, both of whom survive him.
Tony grew up on William Street, in the vibrant Italian-American community in Stamford. He graduated from Stamford High School and was later inducted into its Wall of Fame because of his athletic achievements. Tony was enormously proud of his Italian heritage, his roots in Stamford's Italian-American community, and his extended family. Tony followed his brother to the University of Connecticut on a baseball scholarship. When the Athletic Director suggested Tony's impressive speed and natural aggressiveness could also help the soccer team, he became a two-sport star and was selected as an All American in soccer in 1960. He remained a Huskies fan throughout his life.
Tony was signed into the Cleveland Indians organization after graduating from UConn. He played minor league baseball in Burlington (NC), Charleston (WV), and Portland (OR). While playing in the Carolina League in 1961 and 1962, he witnessed first-hand the racism and mistreatment suffered by his Black teammates. He was known to eat in the kitchen with players who were forbidden to eat in the main dining room of a hotel. The experience seared him, and illuminates the tight bonds he later formed with his many clients who came from diverse backgrounds and countries.
Tony met his first wife, Marion (Tyson), while playing in the Carolina League. Marion was from Mebane, North Carolina, and their union included a remarkable blending of two vastly different cultures. They were married for over 40 years and enjoyed many good times together. Their son, Michael, was a source of pride for Tony throughout his life, and he loved his daughter-in-law, Susan, and his grandsons, Nick and Max.
Tony married Brenda Gilmore in 2018. Brenda was a rock for Tony and a loving companion through many good times, including trips all over the world and quiet dinners at home. Brenda was also a patient, loyal caregiver as Tony faced many health challenges over the final stage of his life. Their life together was a blessing to Tony, and he cherished Brenda's extended family as well.
Tony was a loyal friend to many outside of baseball. He had dozens of dear friends in San Diego and all over the world. He was uniquely loyal and an always-reliable source of wisdom and advice to his friends and extended family. With Tony one had only to ask and he would be there for you. His generosity was unmatched, whether he was finding elaborate ways to ensure that he picked up a dinner check or quietly slipping a $100 bill to somebody down on his luck.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tony's memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A celebration of Tony's life is being planned for later this fall.