Sean Burroughs, a former Little League World Series champion, Olympic gold medalist, and Major League Baseball player, has passed away at the age of 43. The cause of death has not been determined at this time.
Burroughs, who rose to fame as a standout pitcher in the Little League World Series for the Long Beach team, made history by winning consecutive titles in 1992 and 1993. He pitched consecutive no-hitters in the 1993 LLWS, setting a then-record of 16 strikeouts in a single game.
Aside from his success in Little League, Burroughs also won a gold medal with the U.S. baseball team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He was known for his talent on the field and his sportsmanship off the field.
Following his amateur career, Burroughs was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 1998 MLB draft. He went on to have a career as a third baseman, playing for the Padres, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Minnesota. Burroughs was a career .278 hitter with 12 home runs and 143 RBIs in the majors.
Despite his success in baseball, Burroughs faced challenges with substance abuse that led to interruptions in his career. He candidly spoke about his struggles and the impact they had on his aspirations and dreams.
After battling with substance abuse issues, Burroughs made a comeback in professional baseball, playing for various independent minor league teams from 2013 to 2017. He also had brief appearances in TV shows and movies, showcasing his versatility beyond the baseball field.
Sean Burroughs' untimely passing has left a void in the baseball community, with many remembering him for his talent, humility, and positive attitude. He will be deeply missed by his fans, teammates, and all those who knew him.
Our thoughts are with Sean Burroughs' family, friends, and the entire baseball community during this difficult time.