/hour. He a; so had a batting averageof .550 and had a record of 25-1 his senior year as a pitcher. Marino highschool number was the infamous number 13 which he wore though his career. Itwas also his baseball number in high school. Many colleges wanted his arm and power for both baseball and football.His wasgreat on the mound and in the pocket. Schools such as Michigan State, UCLA, andNotre Dame. A little know fact is that before he decided to attend college he wasdraftedto the Kansas City Royals. The Royals wanted him to play third base or outfieldeven though he played pitcher and shortstop in high school. They offered him a30,000-dollar contract. As a senior he had to decide between money and college.But he knew in his heart he wanted to play football so he chooses to attendcollege. He thought about maybe going to a school out west but instead hedecided to stay at home where he loves. At the university of Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh jumped on him right away. He is a "Pittsburgh Guy". As a boy heremembered going to the stadium and rooting for the Panthers. He watched TonyDorsett lead Pitt to the national championship in 1976. His father was proud ofhis son's decision to stay close and attend college where he could watch his sonshine every week. He was a Hometown boy and a hometown favorite. Although not starting asfreshmen they knew he would be the guy soon they all did. Even though they had agood quarter back in Rick Trojan. He did get game play his first year whenTrojan was hurt against Kansas. His first throw was intercepted and the next wasalmost picked off too. He got another chance against Navy and he showed what hehad. He completed ten straight in the fourth and ended up with two touchdownsand 227 yards passing. The next year he got the job as starter when Tracno went to defrensebecause heknew Marino was the man for the job if they wanted to win. He did not play basein college he just wanted to play ...
