World Series Champion With The Chicago Cubs Has Tragically Passed Away At The Young Age Of 37

In a shocking and sad turn of events, former World Series champion with the MLB's Chicago Cubs, Brian Matusz, has died in his Phoenix home at the age of 37.

Brian Matusz, the former Orioles pitcher who was known for his talent and dedication on the mound, has died at age 37, authorities said.

Authorities in Phoenix are investigating his death, and the cause and manner are pending, according to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.

Confirmation of Matusz's death came Tuesday from the Baltimore Orioles and the University of San Diego, where he was one of the school's most accomplished pitchers from 2006 to 2008. It came after a statement from his family that was shared by USD.

"Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz," the Orioles said. "A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, 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."

A fourth-overall draft pick by the Orioles back in 2008, Matusz spent the majority of his big league career with the club, appearing in 279 games for Baltimore between 2009 and 2016.

Despite his career record of 27-41 and a 4.92 ERA, he made his mark on teammates and fans alike.

Former Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who was at the helm of the team for much of Matusz's tenure, expressed shock at the news, adding that Matusz was close to his teammates.

"Brian was engaging, smiled easily, had a lot of quiet self confidence," Showalter told the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday. "I don't know. I'm kind of gathering my thoughts on it right now. It's tough. We all as we get older get in touch with our mortality. But it's just too young.

"When something happens like this, I've always had a grip on reality, but this one, you kind of go, 'Wow.'"

In 2016, he reached a career-high when Matusz won a World Series ring with the Chicago Cubs, culminating his major league career.

He still played in 2017 for the Triple-A Reno Aces and retired professionally after playing with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.

A Colorado native, Matusz will be remembered as a talented lefty and valued teammate. He will be greatly missed in the baseball community.