Scott Sauerbeck, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for four teams, passed away on Wednesday in Florida at the age of 53. According to reports, Sauerbeck suffered a heart attack. He made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1999, and the team confirmed his passing on Thursday.
“The Pirates family mourns the passing of Scott Sauerbeck,” the franchise stated on social media. “Scott played for the Bucs from 1999 to 2003 and shares the club record for the most games pitched by a left-handed pitcher in a single season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Sauerbeck’s most notable season was in 2002, when he made 78 appearances, setting a franchise record for the Pirates that still stands today.
During the 2003 season, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox and later signed with the Cleveland Guardians, but did not play in 2004 due to an injury. His final major league appearance came with the Oakland Athletics in 2006, although he later signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 2008.
Over his career, Sauerbeck recorded a 3.82 ERA and finished with a 20-17 win-loss record.
