Sean Burroughs, a prominent figure in both amateur and professional baseball, tragically passed away at the age of 43 due to fentanyl intoxication, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office. His death, occurring on May 9 at Stearns Champions Park in Long Beach, California, has been deemed accidental, according to recent online records released.
The incident unfolded when the Long Beach Fire Department responded to a distress call reporting a person in full cardiac arrest in the park’s parking lot. Despite immediate and intensive lifesaving efforts, they were unable to revive him, and Burroughs was pronounced dead at the scene, as public information officer Brian Fisk noted at the time.
Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Sean Burroughs achieved early fame as a standout pitcher for his local Little League team, which made history by becoming the first American squad to secure consecutive championships in the prestigious Little League World Series. The team’s triumph in 1992 was followed by another victory in 1993, where Burroughs notably pitched consecutive no-hitters, setting a then-record with 16 strikeouts in one game and ultimately helping his team clinch the title against Panama with a close 3-2 score.
His success continued into the international arena, as Burroughs later represented the United States in baseball at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he contributed to the team’s gold medal win. His achievements in amateur baseball paved the way for a professional career that saw him play for several Major League Baseball teams, including the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Minnesota Twins. Throughout his MLB tenure, Burroughs compiled a respectable batting average of .278, alongside 12 home runs and 143 RBIs.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Burroughs remained deeply connected to his roots in Long Beach, where he later served as a coach in the city’s Little League program, mentoring young athletes and passing on his passion for the sport.
Sean Burroughs’ untimely death has left a void in the baseball community, reflecting on both his remarkable achievements on the field and the challenges he faced off it. His legacy as a gifted player and dedicated coach continues to resonate among those who knew him, underscoring the impact he made throughout his life in the world of baseball and beyond.