Matusz, a record-breaking pitcher and former first-round MLB draft decide, leaves behind a long-lasting legacy at USD and past
Brian Matusz was essentially the most completed pitcher in Torero baseball historical past and helped lead USD to its highest-ever nationwide rating of No. 4 in 2008.
Brian Matusz, essentially the most completed pitcher in Torero baseball historical past and one of the vital gifted athletes to emerge from the College of San Diego, has handed away, his household introduced on Tuesday evening. He was 37 years previous.
Matusz, who performed for the Toreros from 2006 to 2008, left an indelible mark on USD baseball. Throughout his junior season in 2008, he led the NCAA in strikeouts (141) whereas posting a 1.71 ERA, which ranks fourth all-time in USD single-season historical past. That very same yr, he was named the West Coast Convention Pitcher of the Yr, a Louisville Slugger First-Group All-American, and have become this system’s all-time profession chief in strikeouts with 396.
Recognized for his dominance on the mound, Matusz tied this system’s single-game strikeout report by notching 17 in a win towards Harvard on March 22, 2008. He additionally grew to become the primary Torero to be named a finalist for the celebrated Golden Spikes Award, given yearly to the nation’s prime newbie baseball participant. His achievements helped propel San Diego to its highest-ever nationwide rating of No. 4 in 2008.
After his standout collegiate profession, Matusz was picked fourth total by the Baltimore Orioles within the 2008 MLB draft, marking the second-highest draft choice in USD historical past and on the time, the best ever for a Torero by a big-league workforce. He went on to get pleasure from an eight-year profession in Main League Baseball, primarily with the Orioles, the place he made vital contributions each as a starter and reliever, together with serving to Baltimore attain the postseason in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
A local of Cave Creek, Arizona, Matusz was recognized for his management, work ethic, and dedication to his teammates and coaches.
“All of us within the USD group are heartbroken tonight to listen to of Brian’s passing,” mentioned USD Affiliate Vice President and Govt Director of Athletics Kimya Massey. “We give our heartfelt condolences to his household and all of his teammates from his time right here at USD and past. His coronary heart, ardour, and real love for the sport and his teammates was at all times felt and can be missed. We hope everybody retains his household of their prayers at the moment.”
“Brian was among the best gamers to ever put on a Torero uniform,” San Diego baseball head coach Brock Ungricht added. “His dedication to the USD group and keenness for the sport of baseball had been evident to all who knew him. Brian’s sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts, however his legacy will proceed to encourage us, each on and off the sector. We’ll ceaselessly be thankful for his friendship and unwavering help of San Diego baseball. Our ideas and prayers are along with his household.”
— USD Information Heart