Former MLB Infielder Sean Burroughs Passes Away at 43 While Coaching Son's Little League Game

In a tragic turn of events, former Major League Baseball (MLB) infielder Sean Burroughs has passed away at the age of 43. The seven-year major leaguer collapsed while coaching his son's Little League team on Thursday, according to sources.

Burroughs, who was drafted as the first-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 1998, had a notable career in MLB. He played for several teams including the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins. However, after his stint with the Rays in 2005, Burroughs faced struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism, leading to him being out of baseball for several years.

Fortunately, Burroughs was given a comeback opportunity by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011, thanks to the belief of D-backs general manager Kevin Towers, who had previously been the Padres GM when Burroughs was initially drafted.

Throughout his career, Burroughs showcased his skills with a.278 batting average, a.690 OPS, 68 doubles, 12 home runs, 143 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 528 games. His best season came in 2003, where he batted.286 with a.755 OPS, 27 doubles, seven home runs, 58 RBIs, and seven steals.

In addition to his MLB achievements, Burroughs also had an impressive youth sports career. He was part of the legendary Long Beach Little League team that won two consecutive World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. In the 1993 World Series, he delivered two consecutive no-hitters while also exhibiting his batting prowess with a.600 average.

The news of Burroughs' untimely passing has shocked the baseball community. Doug Wittman, the president of Long Beach Little League, expressed his grief over the loss, highlighting Burroughs' impact as a coach and his infectious passion for the game.

Burroughs' contributions extended beyond the diamond, as he had the honor of representing Team USA and winning a Gold Medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. His dedication and sportsmanship were recognized by USA Baseball's executive director/CEO Paul Seiler, who expressed his condolences to the Burroughs family.

Born into a baseball family, Burroughs was the son of Jeff Burroughs, a former major leaguer who was the No. 1 pick in the 1969 MLB Draft and won the American League MVP award in 1974.

The sudden and tragic loss of Burroughs will undoubtedly be mourned by fans, friends, and fellow athletes alike. He will be remembered for his contributions not only to professional baseball but also to the Little League community where his love for the game began.