Tony Attanasio, a prominent baseball agent known for representing players such as Bobby Valentine and Ichiro Suzuki, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on August 30 at his home in San Diego after a long illness. Attanasio began his career as an agent in 1972 with Valentine as his first client, and continued representing players until 2014, when Suzuki was his last client. He was highly respected for his work in salary arbitration and was considered a standout in the field.
Born in 1939 in Stamford, Connecticut, Attanasio was the youngest of three children in his family. His parents were Italian immigrants, with his father working as a carpenter and presser in the garment industry, while his mother was a seamstress. Attanasio attended Stamford High School and later went on to the University of Connecticut, where he played baseball and soccer. He was recognized as an honorable mention on the college soccer All-America team in 1960.
After his college sports career, Attanasio pursued a career in baseball, playing as a minor league infielder in the Cleveland organization from 1961 to 1965, reaching Triple-A level. Following his baseball career, he spent seven years selling life insurance before entering the world of sports agency. He joined a San Diego agency owned by Richard Mangiarelli, and eventually started his own agency. Attanasio’s reputation as an agent continued to grow as he represented high-profile players in the baseball world.
Attanasio was married twice in his lifetime, first to Marion Tyson in 1961, who passed away in 2015, and later to Brenda Gilmore in 2018. He is survived by his son Michael, daughter-in-law Susan, grandsons Nick and Max, sister Kathryn, and brother Robert. Michael Attanasio, who is his son, was involved in representing baseball player Roger Clemens in a high-profile case where the pitcher was acquitted of charges related to performance-enhancing drugs. A celebration of Tony Attanasio’s life is planned for the fall, allowing friends, family, and colleagues to honor his legacy in the baseball world.
Attanasio’s impact on the sports industry, particularly in baseball, is widely recognized by those who worked with him. His dedication to his clients and his expertise in salary arbitration set him apart as an agent. Throughout his career, he represented a diverse range of players, showcasing his ability to connect with athletes from all backgrounds. His legacy will continue to be remembered by those in the baseball community who benefitted from his guidance and support over the years.
As a former athlete himself, Attanasio brought a unique perspective to his role as an agent, understanding the challenges and opportunities that players face in their careers. His involvement in the baseball world spanned decades, allowing him to witness and contribute to the evolution of the sport. His passing marks the end of an era in baseball representation, but his influence and contributions will be remembered by those who knew and worked with him. The upcoming celebration of his life will be a testament to the impact he had on the people he interacted with throughout his career.
The baseball community has expressed their condolences and shared memories of Attanasio, highlighting his professionalism and dedication to the sport. His passing is mourned by many, but his legacy will live on through the players he represented and the relationships he built over the years. As the sports world reflects on his contributions, Tony Attanasio will be remembered for his passion for the game, his integrity as an agent, and his lasting impact on the baseball industry.
