Gone But Not Forgotten in 2025
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Famed Pitcher Brian Matusz dies at 37
An eight-year MLB veteran who adopted David “Big Papi” Ortiz’s iconic number has died at 37, the MLB reported on Tuesday. A cause of death has not been announced.
Brian Matusz joined the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, the No. 4 overall pick in that year’s draft, and spent his entire eight-year MLB career playing with the team. He pitched in 279 games with 68 starts from 2009 until 2016. Matusz made just one major appearance playing for another team during his tenure—a three-inning start during the Chicago Cubs’ championship season in July of 2016.
An eight-year MLB veteran who adopted David “Big Papi” Ortiz’s iconic number has died at 37, the MLB reported on Tuesday. A cause of death has not been announced.
Brian Matusz joined the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, the No. 4 overall pick in that year’s draft, and spent his entire eight-year MLB career playing with the team. He pitched in 279 games with 68 starts from 2009 until 2016. Matusz made just one major appearance playing for another team during his tenure—a three-inning start during the Chicago Cubs’ championship season in July of 2016.
Felix Mantilla, who played 11 years in the big leagues and was a member of the original 1962 Mets, died this week.
He was 90.
Mantilla spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Braves, but his impact in the Wisconsin city went beyond his playing days, a sentiment that was shared by the Brewers — a team Mantilla never played for — on Saturday.
In 1956, he was called up by the Braves for the first time and spent six years with the big league club, winning a memorable seven-game World Series over the Yankees in 1957.
After the 1961 season, he was selected by the Mets as the 12th pick in the expansion draft, joining the team’s inaugural squad.
While the team is most-often remembered for its then-modern record of 120 losses, Mantilla had his best full season to date, hitting 11 home runs with a .275 average.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community,” the team said in a statement shared on X. “We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing.”
He was 90.
Mantilla spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Braves, but his impact in the Wisconsin city went beyond his playing days, a sentiment that was shared by the Brewers — a team Mantilla never played for — on Saturday.
In 1956, he was called up by the Braves for the first time and spent six years with the big league club, winning a memorable seven-game World Series over the Yankees in 1957.
After the 1961 season, he was selected by the Mets as the 12th pick in the expansion draft, joining the team’s inaugural squad.
While the team is most-often remembered for its then-modern record of 120 losses, Mantilla had his best full season to date, hitting 11 home runs with a .275 average.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community,” the team said in a statement shared on X. “We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing.”
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