Ex-MLB pitcher Scott Sauerbeck's cause of death revealed after his shock passing at age of 53
By JAKE FENNER and OLIVER SALT
Months after his sudden and tragic passing, details about the death of former baseball pitcher Scott Sauerbeck have been revealed.
Sauerbeck was 53-years-old when he suddenly passed away at his Florida home back in February.
Now, the release of an autopsy report has shed light on what led to the former lefty's death.
The report, as obtained by TMZ, lists Sauerbeck's cause of death as 'sequela of acute influenza A, including streptococcal pharyngitis.'
In addition to the complications of the flu - including strep throat - hypertensive heart disease was listed as a contributing factor.
The report says that Sauerbeck died of natural causes. A toxicology report did not return with traces of any substances.
Former Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Scott Sauerbeck has died at 53 after a heart attack
He leaves behind wife and their two children (Pictured: Sauerbeck with his kids in 2011)
Sauerbeck played for the Pirates, Red Sox and A's after being drafted in 1994 by the Mets
One of his former teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates, announced his death back in mid-February. 'The Pirates family mourns the passing of Scott Sauerbeck,' the team wrote on X.
'Scott played for the Bucs from 1999-2003 and shares the club record for most games pitched by a LHP in one season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.'
Sauerbeck, who reportedly referred to himself as 'the curveball flipping freak', was a native of Cincinnati and starred collegiately at Miami of Ohio.
He was selected by the New York Mets in the 23rd round of the 1994 MLB amateur draft from Miami and made his debut five years later with the Pirates, with whom he posted a 19-15 record with five saves and a 3.56 ERA in 341 career games.
The pitcher was traded to the Boston Red Sox during the 2003 season before continuing his career with the Cleveland franchise (2005-06) and Oakland Athletics (2016).
He was 20-17 with five saves and a 3.82 ERA in 471 career relief appearances.
After being cut by the A's in October 2006, Sauerbeck never featured in the major leagues again.
He attempted to make a comeback after signing for the Reds again in 2008, only to fail to play a single game for them before departing.
The Ohio native still holds the Pirates record for games played by a pitcher in a single season after appearing 78 times in the 2002 season.
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