Brian Matusz, a former pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has sadly passed away at the age of 37, as announced by the club. The details surrounding his death are not yet disclosed.
Matusz, a standout at the University of San Diego, was crowned the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008. His impressive performance earned him the distinction of being the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Orioles. Matusz debuted with Baltimore in 2009, beginning an eight-year tenure in Major League Baseball.
During his most successful season in 2010, Matusz achieved a career-high of 10 wins in 32 starts. Later in his career, he transitioned to a relief pitcher role, making significant contributions to the Orioles’ bullpen from 2013 to 2015 with 186 appearances.
Noteworthy in Matusz’s career is his exceptional performance against Hall of Fame hitter David Ortiz. In their 30 encounters, Ortiz struck out 13 times, with Matusz allowing only four hits and no home runs, showcasing his competitive edge.
Matusz concluded his professional career by appearing in one game for the Chicago Cubs in 2016, a team that would go on to win the World Series for the first time in over a century.
Brian Matusz will be remembered not only for his achievements on the mound but also for his character and camaraderie as a teammate. His passing is a significant loss to the baseball community and serves as a reminder of the impact athletes have beyond their statistics.