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 films including The Rookie, Miracle, Invincible, The Game Plan, Secretariat, Million Dollar Arm, and Kevin Costner's McFarland USA. 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.