Brian Matusz, renowned for his tenure with the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB), as well as a short period with the Chicago Cubs, was an esteemed American professional baseball pitcher.
Early Life and Education
Brian Matusz, born in Grand Junction, Colorado on February 11, 1987, attended St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He was widely acknowledged for his exceptional pitching abilities during his time there. Following his high school graduation, Matusz made the decision to pursue both his academic and baseball endeavors at the University of San Diego (USD) from 2006 to 2008.
While studying at USD, Brian Matusz emerged as a prominent pitcher in college baseball. In 2008, he topped the NCAA in strikeouts with 141 and achieved an impressive ERA of 1.71, which is considered one of the best in USD’s history. His outstanding performance led to various honors, such as being named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and a finalist for the esteemed Golden Spikes Award. Matusz’s collegiate success reached its pinnacle when he was chosen as the fourth overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft.
Professional Career
Brian Matusz was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his debut in Major League Baseball on August 4, 2009. Throughout his career spanning eight years, he appeared in 280 games, with 69 of them being starts. Matusz achieved a 4.92 ERA, secured 27 wins, and recorded 462 strikeouts over a total of 528.2 innings pitched. His most notable season was in 2010 when he finished fifth in the voting for American League Rookie of the Year.
Brian Matusz was known for his effectiveness against left-handed hitters and played a crucial role in the Orioles’ bullpen during their playoff runs in 2012, 2014, and 2016. He made only one appearance for another team, the Cubs, on July 31, 2016.
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Sudden Death
At the age of 37, Brian Matusz, the former Baltimore Orioles MLB pitcher, passed away in an unexpected manner. On January 7, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles conveyed their profound sadness and paid tribute to his cherished status as a beloved team member and community figure.
Age
Brian Matusz passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 37.
Parents
Brian Matusz’s parents are Mike and Mary Matusz.
Net Worth
Brian Matusz’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. Throughout his MLB career, he earned a total of $20,327,773 from contracts, including significant deals with the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago Cubs.
Awards
Brian Matusz received several notable awards and accolades throughout his baseball career, particularly during his time in college and in Major League Baseball (MLB). Here are some key awards:
- West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year (2008)
- Louisville Slugger First-Team All-American (2008)
- Golden Spikes Award Finalist (2008)
- NCAA Strikeout Leader (2008) with 141 strikeouts
- MLB Rookie of the Month (August 2010)
- Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team (2010)
- AL Pitcher of the Week (multiple times during his career)
- Silver Medal at the 2007 Pan American Games representing the United States
Some Lesser Known Facts about Brian Matusz
- High Draft Pick: Brian Matusz was selected fourth overall in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, making him one of the top prospects in baseball at the time. This high selection highlighted his potential and talent as a pitcher.
- Collegiate Success: During his time at the University of San Diego, Matusz had an outstanding collegiate career, leading the NCAA in strikeouts in 2008 with 141. He was named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, which is given to the best amateur baseball player in the United States.
- Transition to Relief Pitching: After struggling as a starter, Matusz reinvented himself as a relief pitcher in 2012. He became a key situational lefty for the Orioles, contributing significantly to their playoff teams in 2012 and 2014. His ability to adapt was crucial for his continued success in the league.
- Memorable Strikeout: One of Matusz’s standout moments came during the 2012 American League Wild Card game when he struck out Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in critical situations.
- Community Involvement: Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Matusz was known for his community engagement, particularly with organizations that support critically ill children, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
- Career Challenges: Throughout his career, Brian Matusz faced various challenges, including injuries and performance struggles. Despite these setbacks, he remained dedicated to improving and finding ways to contribute to his team.
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Social Media Links
- Instagram: brianmatusz – This is his official Instagram profile, though it currently has no posts or followers.
- Twitter (X): @bmatusz – This is his official Twitter account, where he had 448 followers and was active in sharing updates during his career.
FAQs about Brian Matusz
What was Brian Matusz’s MLB career?
Brian Matusz was a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles from 2009 to 2016, making 280 appearances and recording a 4.92 ERA with 27 wins and 462 strikeouts.
What was his draft history?
Brian Matusz was selected fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft after previously being drafted by the Angels in 2005.
How did he contribute to the Orioles’ success?
He played a significant role during a competitive era for the team, contributing to their first playoff appearance since 1997.
What were his later career developments?
After his time with the Orioles, he had brief stints with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs in 2016 before retiring from professional baseball.
