Former Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher, Scott Sauerbeck, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 53 years old in Bradenton, Florida. The Pirates started their spring training games with the news of his death. Sauerbeck still holds a team record from his time with the Pirates from 1999 to 2003.
Reports indicate that his death was due to a heart attack at his home in Bradenton. The city is also home to the Pirates’ spring training facilities.
Sauerbeck, originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 23rd round of the 1994 MLB draft, played college baseball at Miami University. He joined the Pirates as a Rule 5 Draft pick in 1998 and made his major league debut with the team in 1999.
His first season with the Pirates was notable, with a 2.00 ERA in 67 2/3 innings, 55 strikeouts, and a few saves. This strong performance laid the groundwork for his successful time with the Pirates.
During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Sauerbeck played in 341 games, recorded a 3.56 ERA, and had a 19-15 record. He set a team record in 2002 by appearing in 78 games, a mark he shares with fellow lefty Tony Watson. The record for the most games played by a left-handed pitcher in a single season remains unbroken.
The Pittsburgh Pirates expressed their condolences on social media, stating, “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 an LHP in one season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Sauerbeck was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2003, where he made 26 appearances, including one in the postseason. He then signed with the Cleveland Indians, but an injury prevented him from playing in the 2004 season.
In 2005, Sauerbeck returned to the field, playing in 58 games for Cleveland and pitching 35⅔ innings with a 4.04 ERA. He continued with the Indians into 2006 before being released. He finished the 2006 season with the Oakland Athletics.
Jon Pavlisko, former head baseball coach at Miami University, who coached Sauerbeck from 1991-94, remembered him as a dedicated player.
Sauerbeck’s seven-year MLB career included a 20-17 record with a 3.82 ERA and five saves over 471 games. He struck out 389 batters in 386.1 innings, demonstrating his effectiveness as a relief pitcher.
After being released by the Athletics, Sauerbeck attempted a career comeback with the Cincinnati Reds in 2008. However, he never played a major league game for the Reds, which led to his retirement from professional baseball.
Sauerbeck was known for his ability to restrict left-handed batters, resulting in a low batting average throughout his career. This skill made him a crucial component of the bullpen for the teams he played for, especially the Pirates.
Sauerbeck’s legacy with the Pirates continues today as his record for most appearances in a single season remains unbroken over two decades later. His consistent performances during his five seasons with Pittsburgh established him as a dependable reliever.
