Brian Matusz, a former pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, died at the age of 37, the team announced Tuesday. No cause of death was disclosed.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Orioles said 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
Born on Feb. 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colo., Matusz attended St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, where he earned all-state honors during his senior season in 2005. The left-handed pitcher moved west for college, starring at the University of San Diego, where he spent three years. He was named the 2008 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year after he led the NCAA with 141 strikeouts, tied for fifth among Division I pitchers with 12 wins and posted a 1.71 ERA.
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In 2005, the Los Angeles Angels drafted Matusz in the fourth round, but the southpaw opted to attend school instead. It wasn’t until 2008, after his standout collegiate career, that Matusz left for the pros when the Orioles drafted him fourth overall.
He made his MLB debut the following year, allowing one run and six hits over five innings. Matusz started a career-high 32 games during the 2010 season, as he put up a 4.30 ERA. After an injury-riddled 2011 campaign, he eventually moved to the bullpen in August 2012, and would spend the rest of his career there.
The Orioles traded Matusz to the Braves in 2016, and Atlanta immediately designated him for assignment. Matusz finished that season, and his pro career, with the Cubs, making just one appearance with Chicago. Matusz concluded his career with a 27-41 record and 4.92 ERA in 280 games (69 starts).
“It’s been a blessing to be a part of such a great organization, such a great city, to kind of see the ballclub and the city thrive,” Matusz told The Baltimore Sun in 2019 about his time with the Orioles. “To be able to be a part of the 2012, 2014 postseason and pitch in the playoffs and be able to contribute really was special. Good memories and great friendships that were made. Those were some great moments in my life personally and in my playing career that I’ll never forget.”
(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
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