Former MLB pitcher and world series champion, Brian Matusz tragically passed away aged 37, leaving fans devastated and eager to learn more about his obituary, career, family, wife and kids
Brian Robert Matusz was born on February 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado.
He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2005 before attending the University of San Diego (USD).
At USD, Matusz became a standout pitcher for the Toreros from 2006 to 2008, forming a formidable pitching team with Josh Romanski and Matt Couch. In his junior year, he led the NCAA in strikeouts with 141 and posted an impressive 1.71 ERA, earning him numerous accolades including the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award.
Matusz was selected fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft, marking one of the highest draft selections in USD history. He made his MLB debut on August 4, 2009, against the Detroit Tigers, where he pitched five innings and secured a win. Over his eight-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Orioles from 2009 to 2016, Matusz appeared in 280 games, starting 69 of them. He was known for his versatility as both a starter and a reliever.
His most notable season came in 2010 when he started 32 games and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. However, injuries plagued much of his career, leading him to transition to a relief role starting in 2012. Matusz played a crucial part in helping the Orioles reach the postseason in 2012 and 2014. His career statistics include a win-loss record of 27-41 and an earned run average (ERA) of 4.92 with 462 strikeouts.
In addition to his time with the Orioles, Matusz had a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs during their championship-winning season in 2016 and later played for teams in independent leagues. He appeared in one game during the Cubs championship run, earning himself a World Series ring.
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Following his time in Chicago, he signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He later played for Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League and the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
Brian Matusz died on January 7, 2025 at just 37 years old. Major League Baseball released a statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Major League pitcher Brian Matusz.
“Matusz, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, spent a majority of his eight seasons with the Orioles. He won his Major League debut on August 4, 2009, as he gave up just one run in five innings. Matusz pitched in 280 regular season games throughout his career, starting in 69 of them.”
No cause of death has been given for Matusz’s death.
Matusz was not married and had no wife or children, at least those known publicly. He is remebered for being a willing worker and for having a fantastic rapport with fans.
“Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,” the Orioles said in a statement remembering their former talent. “He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face,”