Brian Matusz, the left-handed pitcher who became a household name in Baltimore for his time with the Orioles, has passed away at the age of 37. Matusz, who dedicated nearly his entire eight-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career to the Orioles, made an indelible mark on the team and its fans.
A stellar career with the Orioles
Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, Matusz went on to play in 279 games (68 starts) for the team between 2009 and 2016. His career in the major leagues included a brief appearance with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, where he made a three-inning start during the Cubs' historic championship season. However, it was with the Orioles that Matusz made his lasting impact.
The Orioles paid tribute to the pitcher with a heartfelt statement: “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-16, 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 could, was a cherished teammate and always had a smile on his face.”
Early life and rise to fame
Born on February 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado, Matusz was raised in a sports-oriented family. His father, Michael, competed in track and field at Purdue University, and his brother, Chris, played baseball at Iowa Wesleyan University.
Matusz’s own athletic prowess became evident during his time at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he earned first-team All-State honours and was named Arizona’s Player of the Year in 2005. His exceptional high school performance laid the foundation for a successful career ahead.
A legendary college career
Instead of signing with the Los Angeles Angels, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft, Matusz opted to attend the University of San Diego.
There, he became a standout player, winning the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year award in 2008. Matusz finished his college career as the all-time leader in strikeouts for the Toreros with 396. His junior season was especially dominant, where he led the NCAA with 141 strikeouts and posted an impressive 1.71 ERA.
MLB success and reinvention
After making his MLB debut in 2009, Matusz quickly became known for his potential but faced challenges as a starter in the following seasons. He posted solid numbers in his rookie year but struggled with consistency in subsequent seasons. However, it was in 2012 when Matusz reinvented himself as a reliever, posting a remarkable 1.35 ERA in 18 relief appearances.
This change was crucial in helping the Orioles snap a 15-year postseason drought. He also delivered strong performances in the postseason, including a pivotal role in the AL Division Series against the Yankees.
Throughout his career, Matusz was often called upon to face powerful left-handed hitters, including future Hall of Famer David Ortiz. Matusz’s dominance over Ortiz was well-known, as the slugger managed only a .138 average with 13 strikeouts in their head-to-head matchups.
Matusz’s time with the Orioles came to an end in 2016, when he struggled to maintain an ERA below 12.00. After being traded to the Atlanta Braves, he was released and briefly played with the Chicago Cubs and later in the independent leagues, ultimately ending his playing career in 2019.
While his MLB journey was marked by ups and downs, Matusz will be remembered as a beloved figure in Baltimore and a key part of the Orioles’ history. He was not only known for his pitching prowess but also for his community involvement and the positive impact he had on the fans and his teammates.