Brian Matusz, who spent eight seasons pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, has died at 37. The team shared the sad news Tuesday night.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight,” the Orioles said in their announcement. They remembered him as someone who always had a smile and made time for every fan he met.
Matusz was a big part of the Orioles’ clubhouse from 2009 to 2016, becoming a fan favorite in Baltimore – or “Birdland” as fans call it.
The team hasn’t shared what caused his death.
Baseball was always in the cards for Matusz. The Orioles picked him fourth overall in the 2008 draft after he starred at the University of San Diego. He made it to the big leagues just a year later.
His rookie season in 2010 showed real promise – he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting that year.
Over his career, Matusz appeared in 280 games, starting 69 of them. He struck out 462 batters in just over 528 innings, finishing with a 27-41 record and a 4.92 ERA.
He wasn’t just a regular season player. Matusz helped the Orioles in their playoff runs too, making seven postseason appearances out of the bullpen.
His final game in the majors came with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, but he’ll always be remembered as an Oriole.
“His passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,” the team said, adding that their thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tough time.
