Former Major League Baseball (MLB) infielder Sean Burroughs tragically passed away at the age of 43 after collapsing during his son’s Little League baseball game. The Orange County Register reported that Burroughs, who was an assistant coach for his 6-year-old son Knox, fell unconscious next to his car while dropping him off. Despite attempts to revive him with CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was revealed to be cardiac arrest, according to Burroughs’ mother, Debbie.
Sean Burroughs had a storied career in baseball, beginning with his youth where he excelled for his Long Beach, California Little League team, leading them to consecutive titles in 1992 and 1993. His talent led him to be drafted No. 9 overall by the San Diego Padres in 1998, making his MLB debut with the team at the young age of 21 in 2002. Before reaching the majors, he also achieved success on an international level, winning a Gold Medal with the United States during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Throughout his seven seasons in the big leagues, Burroughs played a total of 528 games, showcasing his skills with a .278 batting average, .335 on-base percentage, and .355 slugging percentage. His standout season came in 2003 when he hit .286 with seven home runs and seven stolen bases in 146 games as the Padres’ starting third baseman.
The #Dbacks mourn the passing of Sean Burroughs and offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Sean was a member of the 2011 NL West champion team and beloved by his teammates, coaches, staff, and fans.
Rest in peace, Sean. pic.twitter.com/7bDKMma8dP
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 10, 2024
Despite his early success, Burroughs faced challenges later in his career, including brief stints with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Seattle Mariners. After battling addiction and being out of baseball from 2008 to 2010, he made a comeback with the Arizona Diamondbacks, signing a minor league contract ahead of the 2011 season and playing in 78 games that year.
Burroughs’ sudden passing has left the baseball community mourning the loss of a talented player and dedicated coach. His contributions to the sport will be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of baseball players.
