The Colorado native pitched for the Triple-A Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) the following season.
Phoenix police are investigating the stunning death of former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz.
He was 37.
The Orioles and the University of San Diego — where the southpaw became the most accomplished pitcher in program history from 2006-2008 — announced his death Tuesday.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 8, 2025
Matusz made 279 of his 280 career appearances with the Orioles, who drafted the left-handed pitcher with the fourth overall pick in 2008.
“I can confirm we responded to a dead body call at a home near 44th Street and Campbell Avenue” at about 2:45 p.m. MT on Monday, Phoenix Police Sgt. Phil Krynsky told NBC News.
Former Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who managed Matusz from 2010-16, said he spoke with many of Matusz’s Orioles teammates after learning of his death, adding that he was stunned by the news.
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
“Brian was engaging, smiled easily, had a lot of quiet self confidence,” Showalter told the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday. “I don’t know. I’m kind of gathering my thoughts on it right now. … It’s tough. We all as we get older get in touch with our mortality. But it’s just too young.