Former MLB Phenom Dead At Just 37

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Brian Matusz, a prominent left-hander and the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, has died at the age of 37. Matusz, who carved out a significant career primarily with the Baltimore Orioles, passed away on Tuesday. Over his eight-year tenure in the majors, he appeared in 279 games, starting 68 times for the Orioles. Matusz briefly played for the Chicago Cubs, including a notable three-inning start in July 2016. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Matusz’s journey to baseball prominence began at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. In his junior year, 2004, He boasted an impressive record of 8-2 and a minuscule ERA of 0.95, earning him first-team All-State honors in Arizona. His performance only improved in his senior year in 2005, where he went 8-1 with an even lower ERA of 0.50, culminating in his selection as the Arizona Player of the Year.

Matusz rose as a standout left-handed pitcher during his collegiate career at the University of San Diego. He continued to excel in baseball during his three-year stint at the university, culminating in being named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008. A two-time Golden Spikes Award finalist, Matusz topped the NCAA charts with 141 strikeouts in his junior year. That season, he notched 12 wins and posted a remarkable 1.71 ERA, ranking as the fourth-best single-season performance in the school’s history. By the end of his collegiate career, Matusz had become the university’s all-time leader in strikeouts, amassing a total of 396.

Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Orioles, he was one of the most highly regarded pitching prospects of his era. Matusz made his MLB debut on August 4, 2009, and initially shined as a starting pitcher before transitioning to a bullpen role later in his career, where he became a dependable left-handed specialist. Over eight seasons, he played in 279 games, starting 68 of them, and recorded a 4.92 ERA with 514 strikeouts in 528.2 innings. While the bulk of his career was spent with the Orioles, he had a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. Matusz’s contributions were instrumental during Baltimore’s resurgence in the early 2010s. His unexpected death at the age of 37 has left a profound void in the baseball community.

Brian Matusz and Matt Wieters at Baltimore Orioles v/s Cleveland Indians.

“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Baltimore Orioles wrote in a statement. “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.”

Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz.

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… pic.twitter.com/wNN3WkO8l4

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 8, 2025

Matusz is perhaps best remembered for his impressive performances against Hall of Famer David Ortiz. During his peak years as a reliever, the Orioles often strategically reserved Matusz for critical matchups against the Red Sox, specifically to face Ortiz in key situations. The tactical use showcased his effectiveness and pivotal role in the bullpen. He concluded his professional pitching career with the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League, following a stint in Mexico. In 2022, he transitioned to a coaching role, taking on the position of bullpen coach for New Zealand’s team in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.