Brian Matusz, a former Baltimore Orioles pitcher who played a key role in the team’s two playoff appearances, passed away on January 6, 2025, at the age of 37. According to the Phoenix police department, he was found dead at a home in Phoenix at 2:45 pm. The cause of death has not been made public.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Orioles stated, “He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face.”
Matusz’s journey to the major leagues began with promise. He was first drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, but chose to play college baseball at the University of San Diego, where he became the team’s ace. In his final season, he achieved a 1.71 ERA, won West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008, and was selected fourth overall by Baltimore in the 2008 MLB Draft.
Matusz made his major league debut in August 2009 amid high expectations. His defining moment came in 2010 when he won a career-best 10 games in 32 starts, achieving 143 strikeouts in 175.2 innings and finishing fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting. During this season, he was among the American League rookie leaders in starts, strikeouts, and innings pitched.
Despite a challenging 2011 season with a 10.69 ERA, Matusz’s career took a turn for the better when he switched to the bullpen in 2013. He became a vital part of Baltimore’s relief team and from 2013 to 2015, he appeared in 186 games, achieving a 3.32 ERA with 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Matusz notably held Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz to a .138 batting average with 13 strikeouts in 30 plate appearances.
Matusz was instrumental in the Orioles’ revival, helping the team reach the postseason in 2012, a first since 1997. In 2014, during the Orioles’ American League East championship season, he played in 63 games, maintaining a 3.48 ERA and establishing himself as one of the most reliable left-handed specialists in baseball.
Apart from his on-field contributions, Matusz was also recognized for his charitable work. The Colorado-born player was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015. He set up reading programs in Baltimore elementary schools, frequently visited children’s hospitals, and hosted free baseball clinics in underprivileged areas. His annual “Strike Out Hunger” program provided over 100,000 meals to Baltimore families.
The left-handed pitcher played in 280 games for the Orioles between 2009 and 2016, achieving 460 strikeouts and a 4.92 ERA. After being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2016, he joined the Chicago Cubs, making his last major league appearance on July 31, 2016. Despite his short stint with the Cubs, he received a World Series championship ring when they broke their 108-year title drought that season.
Following his major league career, Matusz continued playing baseball in the Mexican League with Acereros de Monclova and in the Atlantic League, where he clinched a championship with the Long Island Ducks before retiring in 2019. His career stats include 27 wins, 41 saves, and 647.2 innings pitched over eight major league seasons.