Sean Burroughs, former MLB player, dies coaching son's Little League game

Former MLB player Sean Burroughs dies at 43 while coaching son's Little League game. Career included Olympic gold medal and struggles.

Sean Burroughs, a former MLB third baseman who played for various teams, tragically passed away at the young age of 43 in Long Beach, California. Reports indicate that Burroughs went into cardiac arrest while coaching his son's Little League game, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

Long Beach Little League expressed their condolences, stating that they will keep Burroughs' family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. They aim to honor his legacy by finishing the season with the type of baseball that Coach Sean would have been proud of.

Burroughs had a deep connection to Long Beach Little League, having played for the team as a teenager and achieving great success, including two LLWS titles. His father, Jeff Burroughs, who was a former American League MVP, coached the team during that time.

Selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, Burroughs made his mark in the big leagues with a game-winning single in his debut. He later went on to play for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins, even winning a gold medal in the Sydney Olympic Games.

Despite his achievements on the field, Burroughs faced personal struggles with drugs and alcohol that derailed his baseball career. Reflecting on his past, he expressed regret for the time he lost away from the game, acknowledging it as part of his journey.

Throughout his MLB career, Burroughs maintained a batting average of .278, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 142 RBIs across 528 games. Following his retirement from the majors, he continued to be involved in baseball by playing in the minor leagues and eventually returning to Long Beach Little League as a coach for his son.