A former Major League Baseball pitcher's untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the baseball community.
According to NBC News, Brian Matusz, a former Baltimore Orioles pitcher and Chicago Cubs World Series ring recipient, was discovered deceased in a Phoenix residence on Monday afternoon, with local police launching a death investigation.
Phoenix Police Sergeant Phil Krynsky confirmed that authorities responded to a dead body call near 44th Street and Campbell Avenue at approximately 2:45 p.m. MST. The circumstances surrounding Matusz's death remain unclear, as no immediate cause has been revealed for the 37-year-old former MLB player's passing.
Matusz's baseball journey began in his hometown of Phoenix, where he attended St. Mary's High School before establishing himself as a collegiate standout. His exceptional performance at the University of San Diego culminated in earning the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year honor in 2008.
This achievement propelled him to become the fourth overall selection in that year's MLB Draft, positioning him in notable company between Eric Hosmer and future Hall of Fame candidate Buster Posey.
The left-handed pitcher's rapid ascent through the minor leagues led to his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles the following spring. His most successful season as a starting pitcher came in 2010 when he achieved a career-high 10 victories across 32 starts. Matusz later reinvented himself as a reliable relief pitcher, making 186 appearances in the Orioles' bullpen between 2013 and 2015.
Former teammate Adam Jones shared his grief over Matusz's passing, stating:
RIP to a good friend and teammate. We had some amazing times on and off the field. Rest easy my friend. Wow.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Matusz's career was his inexplicable dominance over Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz.
The statistical matchup heavily favored Matusz, who held "Big Papi" to just four hits and one walk while striking him out 13 times across 30 plate appearances. More remarkably, Ortiz never managed to hit a home run against the left-handed pitcher.
Though his active playing career concluded with a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, Matusz earned a World Series ring as part of the historic Cubs team that ended the franchise's 108-year championship drought. His contribution to that legendary season, albeit limited, secured his place in baseball history as a member of the team that achieved what many thought impossible.
The police investigation into Matusz's death continues, with authorities treating the case as a death investigation. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from former teammates, coaches, and fans who remember his contributions both on and off the field.
Brian Matusz, a Phoenix native whose baseball career took him from local high school fields to Major League stardom, was found deceased in his hometown on Monday afternoon.
The 37-year-old former Baltimore Orioles pitcher and Chicago Cubs World Series ring holder left behind a legacy that included eight seasons in the major leagues, highlighted by his transformation from starting pitcher to reliable reliever.
