Written by Steve B | Updated on Jul 22, 2024
The baseball world was shaken once again by the news of former major league infielder Sean Burroughs’ untimely death at the age of 43. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Burroughs died of accidental fentanyl intoxication on May 9, 2024, in the parking lot of a youth baseball field in Long Beach, California, where he had taken his son.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges professional athletes face, even after their playing days are over. Burroughs’ story bears striking similarities to that of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who passed away in 2019 under eerily similar circumstances.
Parallels between Burroughs and Skaggs:
1. Substance abuse: Both players struggled with opioid use. Burroughs’ death was attributed to fentanyl, while Skaggs had a combination of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system.
2. Accidental overdose: In both cases, the medical examiners ruled the deaths as accidental, highlighting the dangers of opioid use.
3. Young age: Burroughs was 43, and Skaggs was just 27, underscoring how substance abuse can affect players at various stages of their careers and lives.
4. Impact on families: Both deaths left families and loved ones devastated, with children losing fathers far too soon.
5. Baseball backgrounds: Both were promising players with notable achievements. Burroughs was a Little League World Series champion and Olympic gold medalist, while Skaggs was a first-round draft pick with a promising career ahead.
Burroughs’ career, like many in professional sports, had its ups and downs. He was a highly touted prospect, selected ninth overall by the San Diego Padres in 1998. His major league career spanned from 2002 to 2012, with stints with the Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins. Despite his talent, Burroughs struggled with the pressures of professional baseball and admitted to substance abuse issues that led him to step away from the game temporarily.
His story of redemption, returning to the majors in 2011 after overcoming his addiction, was inspirational. However, his tragic end serves as a sobering reminder that the battle against substance abuse is often ongoing and can have devastating consequences.
The baseball community must continue to address the issue of substance abuse among both active and former players. These tragic losses highlight the need for:
1. Improved support systems for players transitioning out of professional sports
2. Continued education about the dangers of opioid use
3. Enhanced mental health resources for athletes at all levels
4. Greater awareness of the long-term effects of injuries and pain management in sports
As we remember Sean Burroughs and Tyler Skaggs, let their stories serve as a call to action for better support, education, and prevention measures in professional sports. The baseball community must come together to ensure that future generations of players have the resources and support they need to thrive both on and off the field.
Steve B
Steve is a tech lead for digital publishing, security, and tech performance enhancement.
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