The Baltimore Orioles are mourning the loss of former pitcher and “cherished teammate” Brian Matusz, who the team announced has died at 37.
The team shared the news Jan. 7 in a post on social media. No cause of death was provided.
“A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,” the Orioles said in a statement. “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.”
Matusz was the fourth overall pick in the 2008 Major League Baseball draft after being named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year for the University of San Diego.
The left-handed pitcher reached the big leagues only a year after being drafted. He pitched in eight seasons for the Orioles, transitioning to the bullpen in 2013 after four seasons as a starter. Matusz had 27 career wins and a 4.92 earned run average.
He appeared in the playoffs twice as a reliever for the Orioles, in 2012 and 2014. He also won a World Series ring in his final MLB season in 2016 as a member of the Chicago Cubs.
Former pitcher Matt Hobgood, who was the Orioles’ first-round draft pick a year after Matusz in 2009, paid tribute to him on X.
“Just heard the news about Brian Matusz passing away this morning. This is awful…he was one of the first people to call me after I signed in 09,” Hobgood wrote. “Took the time to call, encourage me and wish me well in my career and it always meant a lot that he did that. RIP, my friend.”
Matusz was also known for his actions off the field.
In 2015, he was the Orioles’ nominee for MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award, which honors “a player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement,” according to MLB.com. The award is named for the late Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer, who was renowned for his humanitarian work.