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Arizona Diamondbacks former infielder Sean Burroughs in 2012. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former MLB first-round draft pick dies suddenly at 43

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/10/24

Former Little League World Series star and eventual MLB first-round pick Sean Burroughs has died at the age of 43.

Burroughs passed on Thursday night after collapsing while coaching his son’s Little League team. He suffered cardiac arrest, according to an obituary posted by The562.org.

Though he was the No. 9 overall pick by the San Diego Padres in the 1998 draft, Burroughs may always be best known for his heroics at the Little League World Series.

The son of former AL MVP Jeff Burroughs, Sean helped Long Beach Little League win consecutive Little League World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. They received the 1992 title via forfeit after the Philippines team that won it all was disqualified due to age violations. Long Beach won the championship outright in 1993. Burroughs pitched consecutive no-hitters in the Little League World Series that year and was Long Beach’s best hitter.

According to a Long Beach Press-Telegram story, Burroughs pitched three consecutive no-hitters that postseason and batted over .700 with 17 home runs.

The562.org says, “In four years at LBLL, Burroughs didn’t lose a game as a pitcher, and in 74 innings of All-Star play in 1993, he struck out 171 batters and posted an ERA of 0.49.”

Burroughs was also part of the 2000 U.S. Olympic baseball team that won a gold medal in Sydney.

Burroughs played seven seasons in MLB between 2002 and 2012. He spent four seasons with the Padres and had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins. He was a career .278 hitter.

OBITUARY: The Long Beach baseball world is in shock and mourning after the tragic sudden passing of Sean Burroughs.

The two-time Little League World Series champ and MLB player passed suddenly at Stearns Champions Park, where he was coaching his sonhttps://t.co/8VYxxjk5SU pic.twitter.com/suDUrh6P1W

— The562.org (@562sports) May 10, 2024

I am devastated to get the news that former Padres 1st round pick Sean Burroughs passed away last night coaching his son’s little league team. Sean was one of the good guys. 44 years old .

— John Kentera (@CoachKentera44) May 10, 2024

Long Beach Little League issued a statement regarding Burroughs’ death.

The Long Beach Little League has confirmed in a statement on Instagram that Sean Burroughs died yesterday. pic.twitter.com/GYyWI1nlb2

— Kyle Glaser (@KyleAGlaser) May 10, 2024

Some of the teams for whom Burroughs played issued statements.

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

The Ducks are saddened to learn of the passing of former infielder Sean Burroughs.

The 7-year @MLB veteran played 79 games with the Ducks (2015-16), winning the @AtlanticLg batting title in 2015.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/5liK2FlFsL

— Long Island Ducks (@LIDucks) May 10, 2024

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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