Former MLB infielder Sean Burroughs has tragically passed away at the age of 43. The seven-year major leaguer collapsed while coaching his son’s Little League team, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Burroughs, who was the first-round pick of the San Diego Padres in 1998, played for four different teams during his career – the Padres, Rays, Diamondbacks, and Twins. After struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism, he was given a comeback opportunity by the Diamondbacks in 2011.
Throughout his career, Burroughs had a batting average of .278 with a .690 OPS, 68 doubles, 12 home runs, 143 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 528 games. His best season was in 2003 when he batted .286 with a .755 OPS, 27 doubles, seven homers, 58 RBI, and seven steals.
In addition to his MLB career, Burroughs had a successful youth sports career, winning two consecutive Little League World Series championships in 1992 and 1993 with Long Beach, California. He also pitched two consecutive no-hitters in the 1993 Little League World Series.
Burroughs also won a Gold Medal with Team USA at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. USA Baseball executive director/CEO Paul Seiler expressed his condolences, stating, “Sean represented our country on and off the field in a first-class manner.”
Burroughs was the son of Jeff Burroughs, a former MLB player and American League MVP in 1974. His passing is a significant loss to the baseball community, and he will be remembered for his talent and contributions to the sport.