Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz is believed to have died from a suspected drug overdose, according to a Phoenix police report obtained by the Baltimore Banner.
Authorities reported Matusz, 37, was discovered unresponsive in his home Jan. 6 by his mother Elizabeth Matusz. The scene included a white substance in his mouth and drug-related items scattered nearby.
Elizabeth shared with investigators that her son had battled drug addiction. She also revealed he had recently shared troubling statements like, "There is nothing left for me."
Matusz was brought to the emergency room Jan. 4 by his mother. While the report obtained by the Baltimore Banner does not disclose the reason for the visit, it noted he was urged to seek assistance from a mental health specialist.
Later that same day, Elizabeth took Matusz to the Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale. However, he was not admitted, according to details in the police report.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into his death, though additional information has been withheld at the family's request.
"Brian was a great friend," former teammate and close friend Zack Britton wrote in a post on X. "Too hard to express everything at this time, but remember him for the passion he had for the game of baseball and in using his platform to support children through Casey Cares."
Raised in Phoenix, Matusz rose to prominence as a standout pitcher at the University of San Diego, eventually becoming a highly regarded prospect.
In the 2008 draft, the Baltimore Orioles selected him with the No. 4 overall pick.
Despite moments in which he shone, Matusz never fully met the expectations set by the Orioles. Over the course of nine seasons, he posted a record of 27-41 with a 4.92 ERA.
His final appearance in the major leagues came in 2016 when he played for the Chicago Cubs.
After both retired, former Oriole Jerry Hairston Jr. and Matusz became friends as they both settled in Arizona.
In an interview with the Banner, Hairston opened up about the struggles of adjusting to life after baseball, particularly for someone as young as Matusz.
"It's so hard for players," Hairston said. "I don't care who you are, and I don't care how much money you have, when you are so used to having a schedule all your life since you were 8, 9, 10 years old playing baseball and then it just abruptly ends, you are trying to figure out what is your purpose in life.
"What am I going to do the next 30, 40, 50 years of my life? I know he was at least excited about that challenge. For his life to be cut short at 37 years of age, it's just shocking. I was crushed.
"The matter of fact he's gone, he just passed away. The world lost an incredible human being."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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