Brian Matusz, a former Baltimore Orioles pitcher who spent seven years with the MLB franchise, died on Tuesday, January 7 at the age of 37, although his cause of death has not yet been revealed.
A first-round pick, who went fourth overall, out of the University of San Diego Toreros, the left-handed thrower made his professional debut on August 4, 2009 against the Detroit Tigers after spending some time in the minor leagues.
He went on to earn 27 wins and maintained an Earned Run Average of 4.85 across his time in Maryland through 279 games, as well as collecting 460 strikeouts as he helped the team to MLB postseason appearances in 2012 and 2016.
The winners of the American League East in 2014, the division containing the historic New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, also made it to the American League Championship Series but were swept by the Kansas City Royals.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Orioles wrote on X.com, formerly Twitter. “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched.
“He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face. Brian‘s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
What did Brian Matusz die of?
Matusz also went on to play for the Chicago Cubs for one game in 2016, and earned a World Series winners’ ring after the team defeated the Cleveland Guardians to claim their third ever title in franchise history.
He also played for the Acereros de Monclova in the Mexican League and the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League in 2019. He had a spell in the minor leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017.
His cause of death was not specified.
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