Former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz has passed away at the age of 37, as confirmed by both the Baltimore Orioles and the University of San Diego on Tuesday night. The announcement came from Matusz’s family, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Orioles expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, “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 could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face.”
Matusz was drafted by the Orioles as the fourth overall pick in 2008, coming straight from the University of San Diego.
San Diego coach Brock Ungricht remarked on Matusz’s impact, stating, “Brian was one of the best players to ever wear a Torero uniform. His dedication to the USD community and passion for the game of baseball were evident to all who knew him. Brian’s unexpected passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his legacy will continue to inspire us, both on and off the field. We will forever be grateful for his friendship and unwavering support of San Diego baseball.”
In the 2014 season, Matusz made a significant contribution to the Orioles, finishing with a record of 2-3 and a 3.48 ERA across 63 relief appearances, helping the team secure the AL East title.
