Brian Matusz, a former Major League Baseball pitcher renowned for his tenure with the Baltimore Orioles, has passed away at the age of 37. According to People, the cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born on October 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado, Matusz was a standout pitcher at the University of San Diego. During his collegiate career, he set several records and earned accolades, including the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008. His performance in college led to his selection by the Baltimore Orioles as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft.
Matusz made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2009, spending the majority of his eight-season career with the team. Over his tenure, Matusz appeared in 280 regular-season games, transitioning from a starting pitcher to a reliable reliever. In 2016, Matusz was traded to the Atlanta Braves, briefly joined the Chicago Cubs, and later pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A team. He concluded his professional playing career with the Long Island Ducks in 2019.
The baseball community has expressed profound sorrow at Matusz’s passing. The Baltimore Orioles released a statement published by MLB honoring his memory: “Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz. A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-16, 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.”
MLB executives also conveyed their condolences, reflecting on Matusz’s dedication to the sport and his positive influence on teammates and fans alike. According to The Sun, MLB blogger Dan Clark shared that he had heard numerous stories about Matusz’s generosity toward those in need. “This was both during and after his MLB career,” he wrote on X. “A genuinely great person taken far too soon.”
Beyond his on-field achievements, Matusz was known for his enthusiasm and effort to connect with fans. He dedicated his time to engaging with any fan he could and was a cherished teammate. His untimely passing has left a void in the baseball community, and his contributions to the sport and positive presence will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
