Brian Matusz

Brian Matusz February 11, 1987 – January 6, 2025
Brian Matusz, beloved son, brother, teammate, and friend, passed away on January 6, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, passion, and excellence. Born in Grand Junction, Colorado, Brian moved to Arizona at just one year old, where he began his lifelong love affair with baseball.
As a child, Brian could often be found at the Little League fields, first watching his older brother play and later carving out his own path in the sport. At just 8 years old, he would spend all day at the fields before heading home to play catch with his dad or brother. By age 12, he was already making his mark, pitching six innings and hitting three home runs in the district championship game.
Brian's talent flourished at St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, where he earned First-Team All-State honors in his junior and senior years and was named Arizona Player of the Year in 2005. His exceptional skills earned him a scholarship to the University of San Diego, where he became one of the top pitchers in college baseball. In 2008, he led the nation in strikeouts, was named Rivals Pitcher of the Year, and set the school's all-time strikeout record.
The Baltimore Orioles drafted Brian 4th overall in the 2008 amateur draft, and he made his Major League debut on August 4, 2009, at Tigers Stadium in Detroit, surrounded by 35 friends and family members. Over eight seasons in the MLB, Brian played with the Orioles and the Chicago Cubs, leaving a significant mark both on and off the field. He was a key player in the Orioles' playoff runs in 2012 and 2014 and was named the Orioles nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015, honoring his dedication to community service.
Brian's commitment to giving back extended beyond the baseball diamond. Since 2009, he was a cherished part of the Casey Cares Foundation, where his kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of critically ill children and their families. Whether visiting children in the hospital, playing wiffle ball at events, or welcoming families to the field, Brian always made time to connect with others through his warm smile and genuine compassion.
Off the field, Brian was a man of many passions. He loved driving his 1968 Camaro, golfing ambidextrously, playing basketball, and cheering on his Arizona Cardinals. His friendships spanned decades, from Little League and high school teammates to his college years at USD and his time with the Orioles.
Brian is survived by his loving mother, Elizabeth; his father, Mike; his brother, Christopher, and sister-in-law, Katelyn; his grandmother Eleanor, his cousins, Ken, Doug, James, Brendon, Elizabeth, Adam, Kyle, Drew, Noah, Robert, Michael, Evan, and Lauren; and many aunts and uncles across the country. He also leaves behind countless friends and teammates who cherished his camaraderie and warmth.
A celebration of Brian's life will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 6180 W Utopia Road, Glendale, AZ 85308, on Friday, January 24th. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a Mass and Celebration of Life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Casey Cares Foundation in honor of Brian's enduring commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Brian Matusz will forever be remembered for his love of the game, his big heart, and the countless lives he touched. He was a tremendous blessing to this world and will be deeply missed.