Former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Brian Matusz tragically passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 37. Matusz, a left-handed pitcher, was best known for his time with the Baltimore Orioles, where he spent a majority of his eight-year MLB career. He was a beloved figure in the baseball community, remembered for his talent, dedication, and passion for the game. This article explores the life and career of Brian Matusz, from his early days as a promising young athlete to his time in the majors and beyond.
Early Life
and College Career
Brian Robert Matusz was born on February 11,
1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado. He attended St. Mary's High School in
Phoenix, Arizona, where he excelled in baseball. As a junior, he earned
first-team All-State honors with an impressive 8-2 record and a 0.95 ERA. He
continued his success as a senior, achieving an 8-1 record and a 0.50 ERA,
which led to him being named Arizona Player of the Year. During this time, he
was also selected to play for the US national team at the Pan American Games.
Matusz was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels
in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft but chose to attend the University of
San Diego (USD) instead. At USD, he played college baseball for the San Diego
Toreros, where he became a standout pitcher. In 2008, his junior year, he led
the NCAA with 141 strikeouts and boasted a 1.71 ERA, the fourth-best in USD
history. He was named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and was a
two-time finalist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award. Matusz finished his
college career as USD's all-time leader in strikeouts with 396.
Professional
Career
Baltimore
Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles selected Matusz as the
fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on August 4,
2009, against the Detroit Tigers, pitching five innings and allowing only one
run. Matusz quickly became a key part of the Orioles' pitching rotation. He
finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2010.
When Matusz joined the Orioles, the
organization was in the process of rebuilding with young pitchers. He played a
significant role in the Orioles' return to prominence in the early 2010s.
However, after a strong start, Matusz faced challenges and was eventually moved
to the bullpen.
Matusz transitioned to a full-time reliever in
2013, appearing in 65 games with a 3.53 ERA. This transition marked a
significant shift in his career, requiring him to adapt to a different pitching
role and mindset. He embraced this change and continued to contribute to the
team's success. He had his best season in 2015, pitching in 58 games and
posting a 2.94 ERA. Over his eight seasons with the Orioles, Matusz pitched in
279 games (68 starts), recording a 27-41 record and a 4.92 ERA. He also made
seven postseason relief appearances for the team.
Chicago
Cubs and Later Career
In 2016, Matusz was traded to the Atlanta
Braves but was released shortly after. He then signed with the Chicago Cubs and
made one start for them on July 31, 2016, against the Seattle Mariners. He
finished the 2016 season with the Cubs, marking his final appearance in the
MLB.
After his time in the MLB, Matusz continued to
pursue his baseball career. He signed a minor league contract with the Arizona
Diamondbacks in 2017, playing for their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces. In
11 games for Reno, he had a 6.11 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings
pitched. He was released by the Diamondbacks in May 2017. He later played in
the Mexican League for the Acereros de Monclova and in the Atlantic League of
Professional Baseball for the Long Island Ducks.
|
Stat |
Minor League Career |
|
Games Played |
66 |
|
Wins |
15 |
|
Losses |
9 |
|
ERA |
3.23 |
|
Innings Pitched |
279.0 |
|
Strikeouts |
261 |
|
WHIP |
1.18 |
Personal
Life and Legacy
Matusz came from an athletic family. His
father, Michael, participated in track and field at Purdue University, and his
brother, Chris, played baseball at Iowa Wesleyan University. He was known for
his dedication to his community and his passion for connecting with fans. He
was particularly involved with children's hospitals, demonstrating his
compassionate nature and commitment to giving back.
Brian Matusz's untimely death is a loss for
the baseball world. He is remembered by his former teams and teammates as a
talented pitcher and a cherished friend. The Baltimore Orioles released a
statement expressing their sorrow and highlighting Matusz's passion for
baseball and his dedication to the community. USD also mourned the loss of
their "Torero legend," praising his accomplishments on and off the
field.
Recent News
and Tributes
The news of Brian Matusz's passing was met
with sadness and an outpouring of tributes from the baseball community. The
Baltimore Orioles and the University of San Diego both released statements
honoring his memory and highlighting his contributions to the sport. These
statements emphasized his dedication to the game, his connection with fans, and
his positive impact on those around him.
Career
Statistics
MLB
Statistics
|
Stat |
MLB Career |
|
Games Played |
280 |
|
Wins |
27 |
|
Losses |
41 |
|
ERA |
4.92 |
|
Innings Pitched |
528.2 |
|
Strikeouts |
462 |
|
WHIP |
1.46 |
Awards and
Recognition
- West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year (2008)
- Two-time finalist for the Golden Spikes Award
Brian Matusz's baseball journey was one of
dedication, talent, and a love for the game. From his standout college career
at the University of San Diego to his years in the MLB, primarily with the
Baltimore Orioles, he left a lasting impact on the sport. He was a key figure
in the Orioles' resurgence in the early 2010s, showcasing his pitching prowess
and contributing to the team's success. While he faced challenges and
transitioned from a starting role to the bullpen, he remained committed to the
game and continued to pursue his passion. Beyond his on-field accomplishments,
Matusz was known for his genuine character, his dedication to his community,
and his involvement with children's hospitals. His untimely passing is a loss
for the baseball world, but his legacy as a skilled pitcher, a beloved
teammate, and a compassionate individual will endure. The tributes from his
former teams and teammates serve as a testament to his impact on and off the
field.
