Mark Ciardi
Mark Thomas Ciardi (pronounced "CHAR-dee"; born August 19, 1961) is an American film producer and former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Apex Entertainment. Mark has a rich breadth of experience as a Film Executive, and Producer. Apex Entertainment is an independent content production firm that also serves as a financier for media properties. Prior to Apex, Ciardi was the co-founder of Mayhem Pictures that had an overall first look deal with Walt Disney Studios for twelve years. At Mayhem, Ciardi produced several sports films for Walt Disney Pictures including  The Rookie, "Miracle", "Invincible", "The Game Plan", "Secretariat", "Million Dollar Arm", "McFarland, USA", and "Safety". Awaiting release is the worldwide best-selling novel, "Fallen". He also produced the Emmy Award winning, ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled "Big Shot". A native of Piscataway, New Jersey, Ciardi was an All-State high school pitcher, graduating from Piscataway Township High School as part of the class of 1979. He continued his baseball career at the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was drafted in 1983 by the Milwaukee Brewers organization and was called  up to the major leagues in 1987. He retired the following year due to an injury. Ciardi is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and serves on the board of trustees at the University of Maryland. Mark is married with two children and resides in Los Angeles. Filmography. He was a producer in all films unless otherwise noted. Major League Baseball career. Ciardi played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1987. He opened the season on the Milwaukee Brewers roster in which they started the season with 13 consecutive wins, winning the eighth game in that  streak against the Orioles. That winning streak is a record that still stands today. Ciardi remained in the big leagues for one month that year then retired the following year due to a shoulder injury.