Mike Flanagan Found Dead Outside Home

The Baltimore Orioles have lost one of their best, as former pitcher Mike Flanagan was found dead outside his Maryland home last night.

Police responded to a report saying a body had been found on Flanagan’s property.  It was later discovered that it was indeed Flanagan himself.

Drafted by the Orioles in the 1973 amateur draft, Flanagan made his debut for Baltimore in 1975.  The left hander became a regular starter for the O’s in 1977, going 15-10 with a 3.64 ERA.

Flanagan tallied 19 victories his next season over 40 starts and took home the AL Cy Young award in 1979.  That year he went 23-9 with a 3.08 ERA and WHIP of 1.186 over his 39 games and 265.2 innings.

Flanagan pitched in two World Series, losing one to the Pirates in 1979 and collecting a ring after the Orioles beat the Phillies in 1983.

After spending parts of 13 seasons in Baltimore, Flanagan was traded to the Blue Jays for Oswaldo Peraza and Jose Mesa.  He was later released by the Jays and returned to finish his career with the Birds.

Over his final 2 seasons, Flanagan was used out of the pen.  In 1991 he maintained an ERA of 2.38 over his 64 appearances, but decided to hang em up after the 92 season.

Flanagan continued his time with the organization as a member of the Orioles front office and then as a television announcer.

Our condolences go out to Flanagan’s family and friends.  The 59 year old was survived by his wife and three daughters.

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