How did Scott Sauerbeck die? Former MLB pitcher’s cause of death revealed nearly 3 months after his passing

Baseball athlete Scott Sauerbeck died on February 18, 2025. However, the cause of his death was released almost three months after his demise. According to the Florida Medical Examiner’s report obtained by People Magazine, Sauerbeck suffered from influenza. He also had hypertensive heart disease.

Furthermore, the toxicology report stated that there were no illegal substances in his body. His death was ruled as natural. On February 20, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates shared the news of the baseballer's demise through Facebook. They wrote:

"The Pirates family mourns the passing of Scott Sauerbeck. 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."

According to People Magazine, Scott Sauerbeck attended Miami University in Oxford, where he played baseball. He studied at Northwest High School. In 1994, he was picked by the New York Mets in the amateur draft.

In 2004, he had to sit out the season because he underwent a major surgery on his left shoulder. He also played for teams like the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, and others throughout his career. Sauerbeck took his retirement from Major League Baseball in 2008.

He will be remembered by his wife, children, and stepchildren. His children are Georgia, Jackson, and Calvin, while his stepchildren are Landon and Logan.

Scott Sauerbeck once compared baseball to religion

In a 2012 interview with The Baseball Historian, Scott Sauerbeck was asked if he ever felt discouraged during his time in the minor leagues. He explained that he didn’t worry about making it to the major leagues because he never imagined it would happen.

He said he tended to focus only on the short term, trying to do well in his next game. He believed that only the highly talented and top draft picks got the chance to move up, and he didn’t see himself as one of those players.

Hence, he focused on moving up one level at a time. When asked how he became interested in baseball, Sauerbeck said:

“I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where baseball is akin to a religion. Becoming interested in it was a foregone conclusion, as that is all every kid does in their spare time. Everyone I know spent their summers wetting down the grass with the garden hose and practicing their Pete Rose head-first slide.”

When asked about his favorite moment from his career, Scott Sauerbeck shared that he enjoyed pitching in iconic stadiums like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Yankee Stadium.

However, more than the games, what stood out to him were the moments shared with teammates and the bonds built over the season. When asked if he would change anything about his career, Scott Sauerbeck said he wished he had spoken up when his arm was tired or hurting.

Instead of asking for rest, he often pushed through and pitched even when he was in pain, even when he was unable to lift his arm properly.

Also Read: What happened to Janis Timma? Tributes pour in as Latvian basketball player dies at 32

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