The baseball community is mourning the loss of former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, who passed away at the age of 37. The Orioles, with whom Matusz spent the bulk of his Major League career from 2009 to 2016, announced his death in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday, January 7.
Orioles Pay Tribute to a Cherished Teammate
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz,” the statement read.
“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.”
The team concluded by extending their condolences to Matusz’s family and friends during “this difficult time.”
According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, Matusz passed away on Tuesday morning. A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
A Promising Career in Baseball
Born on February 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado, Matusz’s baseball journey began with early promise. Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft, he chose to play collegiate baseball at the University of San Diego instead.
During his three years at San Diego, Matusz established himself as one of the top college pitchers in the country. He was a two-time finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, the school’s all-time leader in strikeouts (396), and the 2008 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year.
In 2008, Matusz was selected as the fourth overall pick in the MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He made his Major League debut a year later, in August 2009.
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MLB Career Highlights
Over the course of his career, Matusz pitched in 280 regular-season games, including 69 starts. Known for his left-handed delivery and versatility, he posted a career ERA of 4.92.
Matusz played key roles on two Orioles postseason teams in 2012 and 2014, making seven playoff appearances. His contributions as both a starter and reliever solidified his place as a valuable asset during his time in Baltimore.
In May 2016, Matusz was traded to the Atlanta Braves but was released just a week later. He signed with the Chicago Cubs shortly after, making one start for the team.
A Life Beyond the Majors
Following his Major League career, Matusz continued to pursue his love for baseball. He spent 2017 pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in Reno. He also made a brief appearance in the Mexican League before finishing his professional career with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League in 2019.
A Legacy of Kindness and Connection
Beyond his achievements on the field, Matusz was remembered as a player who deeply valued his connection with fans and teammates. The Orioles’ statement highlighted his generosity, noting how he dedicated time to engaging with fans and bringing positivity to the clubhouse.
An Outpouring of Grief
News of Matusz’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, former teammates, and members of the baseball community. Many have taken to social media to share their memories of Matusz as a talented player and a kind-hearted individual.
As the Orioles and the broader baseball world reflect on Matusz’s life and career, his legacy will be remembered not only for his contributions on the mound but also for his impact as a teammate and friend.
Brian Matusz leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and kindness that will not be forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of the entire baseball community are with his family during this difficult time.
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