Brian Matusz, once a promising MLB prospect and former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, passed away on January 6 at age 37.
According to a Phoenix police report obtained by the Baltimore Banner, his death is suspected to be a drug overdose.
Matusz was found by his mother, Elizabeth, at his Phoenix home. She discovered drug paraphernalia and a white substance near his body. The police report revealed that Matusz had a history of substance abuse and had recently expressed feelings of hopelessness.
“There is nothing left for me,” Matusz is reported as saying recently.
On January 4, just days before his passing, Elizabeth took Matusz to the emergency room. While the reason for the visit was redacted in the report, he was advised to seek help from a mental health professional. Later that day, Elizabeth brought him to Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, but he was not admitted.
Matusz’s baseball career and life post-retirement
Born and raised in Phoenix, Matusz’s talent on the mound led him to star at the University of San Diego before being selected fourth overall by the Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft. He showed glimpses of his potential during his nine-year career, posting a 27-41 record with a 4.92 ERA.
After leaving the major leagues in 2016, he attempted a comeback in 2019 with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
Despite his career achievements, transitioning away from professional baseball posed significant challenges for Matusz. Former Oriole Jerry Hairston Jr., a close friend, reflected on these struggles.
“When you are so used to having a schedule… and then it just abruptly ends, you are trying to figure out what is your purpose,” he told the Baltimore Banner.
Hairston described Matusz as an “incredible human being” and expressed shock over his passing.
“For his life to be cut short at 37… it’s just shocking. The world lost an incredible human being,” he concluded.
The investigation into Matusz’s death remains ongoing, and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time. His loss has left the baseball community mourning a life gone too soon.
Read the full article here
