Mike Flanagan Death is Confirmed Suicide

In a sad turn of events, it’s now been reported that former Major League pitcher Mike Flanagan’s death was a suicide.  Medical examiners confirmed yesterday that Flanagan died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head.

Flanagan had apparently been upset over his financial situation, and his wife became worried when she failed to reach him.  She called a neighbor and asked them to check on Flanagan, and when no trace of him was found, 911 was notified.  Flanagan’s body was later discovered outside his Maryland home.

The tragedy took many by surprise, especially those close to him in the Baltimore Orioles organization.  Flanagan spent nearly the last 4 decades as a member of the Birds; serving as a pitcher, front office executive and television announcer.

I took a look at Flanagan’s impressive career yesterday when word of his death initially broke.  Over his 18 years in the Majors, Flanagan maintained a record of 167-143 with an ERA of 3.90.  He won the AL Cy Young award in 1979 and a World Series Championship with the Orioles in 1983.

Flanagan is survived by his wife and three daughters.

For more on the Orioles, be sure to check out Birds Watcher.