On January 7, 2025, Brian Matusz, a former left-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, passed away at the age of 37, as announced by the team. The cause of his death was not revealed. Matusz is remembered for his significant transformation from a struggling starter to an exceptional left-handed reliever, a change that played a pivotal role in leading the Orioles to two playoff appearances.
In a tribute to Matusz, the Orioles remarked on his commitment to fan engagement, his cherished status among teammates, and his ever-present smile.
Matusz’s path to the major leagues was marked by early potential. Despite being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft, he chose to play college baseball at the University of San Diego. There, he shined as the team’s ace, earning West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year honors in 2008 and posting a 1.71 ERA in his last season. His performance led to his selection as the fourth overall pick by Baltimore in the 2008 MLB Draft.
Matusz’s major league career started in August 2009 amid high anticipation. His standout season came in 2010, when he secured a personal best of 10 victories in 32 starts, striking out 143 batters in 175.2 innings, and finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year vote. During this season, he was among the AL rookie leaders in various categories, including starts, strikeouts, and innings pitched.
After a challenging season in 2011 with a 10.69 ERA, Matusz made a successful career shift. Transitioning to the bullpen in 2013, he became a key player in Baltimore’s relief team. From 2013 to 2015, he participated in 186 games, with a 3.32 ERA and averaging 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Notably, he held Boston Red Sox’s future Hall of Famer David Ortiz to a .138 batting average with 13 strikeouts in 30 appearances at the plate.
Matusz was instrumental in the Orioles’ revival, aiding the team in reaching the postseason in 2012 – their first playoff berth since 1997. During the Orioles’ American League East championship season in 2014, he played in 63 games, maintaining a 3.48 ERA, solidifying his position as one of the most dependable left-handed specialists in baseball.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Matusz was recognized for his charitable endeavors. The Colorado-born player was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015 for his philanthropic work. He initiated reading programs in Baltimore, Maryland elementary schools, frequently visited children’s hospitals, and organized free baseball clinics in underserved communities. His annual “Strike Out Hunger” project provided over 100,000 meals to families in Baltimore in need.
Between 2009 and 2016, the pitcher participated in 280 games for the Orioles, achieving 460 strikeouts and a 4.92 ERA. Following a trade to the Atlanta Braves in 2016, Matusz joined the Chicago Cubs, making his last major league appearance on July 31, 2016. Despite his brief stint with the Cubs, he received a World Series championship ring when the team ended their 108-year title drought that year.
After his major league career, Matusz continued his journey in baseball with Acereros de Monclova in the Mexican League and in the Atlantic League, where he secured a championship with the Long Island Ducks before retiring in 2019. Over his eight-season major league career, his record included 27 victories, 41 saves, and 647.2 innings pitched.