Brian Matusz, a former Major League Baseball pitcher renowned for his tenure with the Baltimore Orioles, has passed away at the age of 37.
Brian Matusz, a former Major League Baseball pitcher renowned for his tenure with the Baltimore Orioles, has passed away at the age of 37. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Matusz was drafted by the Orioles as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, following a distinguished collegiate career at the University of San Diego. He made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2009 and played for the team until 2016, primarily as a left-handed pitcher. During his time with the Orioles, Matusz was instrumental in the team’s postseason appearances in 2012 and 2014.
In 2016, Matusz had a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs, appearing in one game. Despite his limited time with the Cubs, he was awarded a World Series ring as the team clinched the championship that year.
Following his MLB career, Matusz continued to contribute to the sport through various roles, including serving as the bullpen coach for New Zealand’s team in the 2022 World Baseball Classic.
The baseball community has expressed deep sorrow at his passing, remembering Matusz as a cherished teammate and a dedicated individual both on and off the field.
Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz has passed away at the age of 37.
The Orioles, who Matusz played with from 2009 to 2016, shared the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, January 7.
“We are deeply saddened as we remember the life of Brian Matusz,” the team said in their statement.
“Brian was an integral part of our clubhouse from 2009 to 2016, earning the love and respect of everyone in Birdland. His enthusiasm for both baseball and our community was unrivaled. He was known for his connection with fans, his positivity, and his unwavering support for his teammates, always greeting others with a smile.”
The Orioles concluded their tribute by offering heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Matusz’s family and friends during this challenging time.
As reported by Roch Kubatko of Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), Matusz passed away on Tuesday morning, though the cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
Initially drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft, Matusz chose instead to attend the University of San Diego, where he played for three years. During his time there, he became a two-time finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and set a school record with 396 strikeouts. He was also named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008.
In 2008, Matusz was selected fourth overall in the MLB Draft, making his debut in August 2009.
Over his career, Matusz appeared in 280 regular-season games, starting 69 of them. He also made seven postseason appearances with the Orioles in 2012 and 2014. His career ERA stood at 4.92. In May 2016, Matusz was traded to the Atlanta Braves but was released just a week later. He then signed with the Chicago Cubs, making one start for the team.
Matusz spent 2017 pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in Reno. He also made a start in the Mexican League before concluding his professional career with the Long Island Ducks in 2019.