Ex-MLB Player Sean Burroughs Dies From Fentanyl Overdose
Former MLB player Sean Burroughs, known for leading Long Beach to Little League World Series titles and winning Olympic gold, died accidentally from fentanyl intoxication at 43 in Long Beach after coaching his son's team.
The shockwave of the unexpected death of Sean Burroughs, a former major league standout, has cast a somber mood over the baseball community. The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed his death as accidental due to fentanyl intoxication after he passed out in a parking lot. Despite efforts to revive him with CPR, Burroughs was pronounced dead at the scene. His passing not only brings attention to the ongoing opioid crisis but also underscores the personal struggles athletes can face, as Burroughs had openly admitted to substance abuse issues during his career.
Sean Burroughs' body was discovered in a parking lot next to his car on May 9 in Long Beach, California. The former player had just dropped off his 6-year-old son for a Little League game when the incident occurred. CPR was administered in an effort to save him, but the attempts were unsuccessful. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Born into a baseball legacy, Sean Burroughs was the son of Jeff Burroughs, the American League MVP in 1974. Sean made a name for himself early in life, leading Long Beach to consecutive Little League World Series championships in 1982 and 1983.
Burroughs' talent was swiftly recognized at the professional level when the San Diego Padres selected him as the ninth overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft. His major league debut came in 2002, kicking off a career primarily as a third baseman.
Throughout his career, Burroughs played for several MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins. Over 528 major league games, he maintained a career batting average of .278.
In addition to his MLB achievements, Sean Burroughs was part of the Team USA squad that won a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His contributions to the sport were significant, both at a national and international level.
Despite his achievements, Burroughs' battle with substance abuse was a well-known part of his story. He candidly discussed his struggles with addiction during a 2011 interview with ESPN. His openness highlighted the often unseen challenges athletes may face off the field.
At the time of his death, Burroughs was actively involved in his son's baseball activities, even taking on the role of coach for his son's team. This personal involvement in the sport at a community level reflected his deep-rooted connection to baseball.
Sean Burroughs' untimely death at the age of 43 serves as a tragic reminder of the pervasive impact of the opioid crisis. Fentanyl, the substance responsible for his death, has become a significant public health challenge across the United States.
As the community mourns, the legacy of Sean Burroughs remains in the memories of his athletic accomplishments and personal battles. His contributions to baseball, from his early triumphs in Little League to his professional career, are fondly remembered by fans and fellow players alike.