Ex-MLB player Sean Burroughs collapses and dies aged 43 at Little League baseball game

Former San Diego Padres third baseman Sean Burroughs died at 43 years old on Thursday night after reportedly collapsing at his son's youth Little League baseball game.

Drafted in the first round of the 1998 MLB Draft, Burroughs played seven seasons in the league and is survived his father Jeff Burroughs, the 1974 American League MVP. Burroughs' excellence on the diamond began at a very young age, and he was regarded as one of the best Little League baseball players ever. Winning two Little League World Series titles from Williamsport and famously appearing on David Letterman, Burroughs threw two no-hitters on his Long Beach squad's second appearance.

He later starred at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, entering the professional ranks at just 18 years old as the ninth overall pick. The lefty slugger made his MLB debut with the Padres four years later and garnered tremendous hype within MLB circles, called a "can't miss" prospect by Sports Illustrated and "the next Tony Gywnn" by former Padres manager Kevin Towers.

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However, he struggled with substance abuse - a topic he spoke openly about - and was out of the MLB for five seasons. Burroughs made a stunning return to the highest level, though, hitting .289 with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011 with 78 appearances as a pinch-hitter.

"I was pretty proud of how he worked in the gym and in the batting cage," long time Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley recalled that year about Burrough's comeback. "You could tell he was definitely motivated. He was always early. It seemed like he was driven.''

He spent most of his career in San Diego, including a career-best year in 2003-04 where Burroughs starred as the Padres’ regular third baseman hitting a combined .292/.350/.384 more than 1000 plate appearances. Burroughs also represented his country as a member of Team USA , winning a gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

“We at USA Baseball are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Sean," said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. "Sean was a part of one of our most beloved teams, and he represented our country on and off the field in a first-class manner. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burroughs family during this time."

USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale first reported that Burroughs had died, setting off an outpouring of support from baseball organizations and sports writers.

The Long Island Ducks, for whom Burroughs played 79 games across the 2015 and 2016 seasons, posted a tribute for the player, saying "The Ducks are saddened to learn of the passing of former infielder Sean Burroughs. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."