Brian Matusz is the left-handed pitching talent that Baltimore Orioles drafted in the first round of 2008. He is reported to have died at the tender age of 37. The sad news of his death should come as a shock to the baseball fraternity because many fans and former team members and acquaintances have mourned the death of a player who contributed much to the game.
Promising Career
Born February 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado Matusz won collegiate baseball fame when he attended the University of San Diego. Matusz proved a great pitcher, and by this time at the university, was caught by Baltimore Orioles to select in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft with an overall fourth draft pick.
Matusz was an extremely quick-rising prospect, entering the major leagues in 2009. He immediately became an integral part of the Orioles’ starting rotation. During his time with the team, he showed all of his skills: great fastball and changeup. It made him one of the most promising young pitchers in the league.
Career Highlights
Matusz was in his prime when he helped the Orioles to a very successful 2014 postseason. Matusz is a reliever who is regarded as pretty good at eliminating left-handed batters, and he has been an extremely consistent reliever. Over eight seasons in the major leagues, Matusz has collected 33 wins and suffered 28 losses, compiling a 4.92 ERA in 279 games.
Although injuries later impacted his performance, leading to his eventual departure from the major leagues, Matusz remained a respected figure in baseball. His determination and contributions left an indelible mark on the Orioles organization and their fans.
Remembering Brian Matusz
After retiring, Matusz remained involved with the game, often taking time to instruct the young men or attending community functions. His affable nature and loving the game were appreciated in and out of uniform.
The Orioles and MLB immediately sent condolences and put a post tribute to Matusz in honor of his life. Fellow former Orioles teammates and coaches have spoken well of his commitment to the game and how much he impacted the room as a person.
A Legacy Remembered
Although the cause of Matusz’s death is not known to the public, his legacy as a player and mentor lives on. Fans remember him not only for his talent on the mound but also for his sportsmanship and humility.
With his passing, Brian Matusz’s life teaches us a thing or two about the brief duration of life but the endless moments one may touch through determination, passion, and kindness. In the memories of those close to him, the fans who adore him for all that he was to baseball, his spirit lives on.
