The baseball community mourns the untimely death of Brian Matusz, a former pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs, who was found deceased at his Phoenix home on January 6, 2025, at the age of 37.
Career Highlights
Matusz, a left-handed pitcher, was a standout at the University of San Diego before being selected fourth overall by the Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft. He debuted in the majors in 2009, spending the majority of his career with Baltimore and making a brief appearance with the Cubs in 2016. Over his MLB tenure, Matusz recorded a 27-41 win-loss record with a 4.92 ERA.
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
According to reports from the Phoenix Police Department, Matusz was discovered by his mother, Elizabeth, who had grown concerned after not hearing from him. Upon entering his residence, she found him unresponsive on the couch, with drug paraphernalia nearby and a white substance in his mouth. There were no signs of foul play, and authorities are treating the case as a probable drug overdose.
Elizabeth informed investigators that Brian had a history of substance abuse but had been clean for approximately eight months. In the days leading up to his death, he had expressed feelings of hopelessness, mentioning that he “used to have it all” and now felt there was “nothing left for me.” On January 4, she took him to an emergency room, where he was treated and advised to seek mental health support. The following day, they visited a behavioral health facility, but he was not admitted.
Community Response
The Baltimore Orioles released a statement expressing their sorrow: “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.”
Call to Action: Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Brian Matusz’s tragic death underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and the challenges many face with substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Call 726-4727 confidential, free assistance.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available for those in need.
Call Now Don't Wait Before Its Too Late!
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