Former San Diego Padres’ first-round draft pick and MLB player Sean Burroughs has passed away. The two-time Little League World Series champion collapsed while coaching his son’s Little League game on Thursday. He was just 43. The unexpected demise of a player who struggled with multiple issues throughout his life has left the baseball world shell-shocked. 

While the cause of death isn’t available yet, his collapse was a shocking event. Burroughs was the son of 1974 AL MVP Jeff Burroughs. He first came to prominence during his Little League stint, where he led Long Beach to win the LLWS titles in 1992 and 1993—the first time any team ever won consecutive Little League World Series. Burroughs also became the first American player in the Little League to throw back-to-back no-hitters in 1993. 

All of this led to the San Diego Padres picking Sean Burroughs as the 9th overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft. He had to wait until 2002 to make it into the major leagues. However, his stint with the Padres was quite iconic; he hit a walk-off single in the Friars’ first-ever regular-season game in Petco Park. After spending four years with the team, Burroughs made his way to the Tampa Bay Rays.

However, his stay in the Rays was quite short. Substance abuse issues derailed his career and forced Burroughs to spend four years dealing with them. His return to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011 proved to be highly monumental. But by 2013, Burroughs was officially out of the major leagues. “To say this is a huge loss is an understatement,” said Little League president Dough Wittman in a statement (via AP News).

The shocking demise of the former third baseman led to the fans pouring their tributes. The tragedy of Burroughs collapsing in front of his son wasn’t hidden from anyone. In a year that has seen some tragic deaths, this one stung the most.

Fans shocked after Sean Burroughs’ collapse

Fans filled X with tributes for Burroughs. Some fans remembered his career, while others were stunned by the tragic nature of the entire situation. “His poor son, family, and anyone else who saw that. I can’t imagine what they’re feeling. RIP,” wrote a fan. The Internet was filled with comments similar to this by people who couldn’t help but feel sorry for Burroughs’ young kid.

“RIP. He was a great part of the 2011 Diamondbacks season and a great redemption story,” said another fan. It’s clear how Burroughs’ comeback after losing four years to substance abuse proved to be inspirational for many fans. “Damn so young, rip,” a user wrote. At 43, Burroughs’ life had barely started; that’s what makes it even more tragic.

“Oh man. This is crazy sad,” echoed through the entire social media. Fans couldn’t believe something so tragic had taken place. And finally, a fan noted that “he was just 43.” It’s sad and disturbing to think about his age. Certainly, Burroughs touched every fan’s heart. Farewell, Sean; it was too soon.