Kalyanov & Marino
When Ralph Marino says he needs an extra seat for his "arms and legs," Borgata poker associates don't blink an eye.
"We love Ralph," says Darcey Borden, a floor supervisor, "he's here all the time."
Marino is a quadriplegic who's been playing poker for three years and says he's, "getting addicted to Texas hold'em."
Because he has no movement in his arms or legs, Marino gets help from Artem Kalyanov, who does all the things Marino can't.
Kalyanov shows him the cards, puts chips in the pot and rakes in all of Marino's winnings. All the decisions are Marino's as the poker rule of "one player per hand," still applies.
"He makes me feel normal," says Marino, who is playing in the Borgata Winter Open. Kalayanov also helps with daily routines like dressing, eating and driving.
Marino, who lives in Waretown, NJ, was an aspiring baseball catcher who was paralyzed in a home plate collision at age 19. With his dreams of playing Major League Baseball dashed, Marino, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, changed his plans.
Marino has always wanted to help people and realized his life could be worse (a close friend died of cancer), so he got a degree in Social Work from Rampo State College. That led to a 26-year career at North Bergen High School in North Jersey where he also coached baseball and basketball.
Marino, 55 and retired, is now a motivational speaker who tells a story of hope and inspiration. His motto: "Tough times don't last, tough people do."
As for poker, Marino is still learning the game. "When I'm playing poker I feel very competitive and I try to concentrate to the best of my abilities," he says. "Unfortunately, I tend to socialize and talk too much for tournament play."
Marino was eliminated in his latest tournament, but looks forward to returning to Borgata as he's, "trying to become more competitive and patient."
In the meantime, Marino continues giving speechs and preaching that "mind and heart, plus taking action will put you "Above the Rim." That the name of his motivational speaking program where more informational is available.
Former Catcher Marino Likes Catching Cards
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