Ex-Orioles Pitcher Mike Flanagan’s Death Ruled A Suicide

Today, a Maryland medical examiner ruled that former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Flanagan died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head.

The 59-year-old was upset about financial issues according to a police investigation. He didn't leave a suicide note.

On Wednesday afternoon, Flanagan's body was found about 250 feet behind his home. An investigation showed he was home alone when he took his life.

Flanagan, who won the Cy Young Award in 1979, helped Baltimore win the 1983 World Series. After his retirement, he worked for the Orioles as a coach and in the front office.  He was working as a color commentator on the Orioles' television network.  In fact, he was scheduled to do the O's series against the Yankees this weekend.

According to police, his wife - Alex Flanagan - last spoke to her husband about 1 a.m. Wednesday. She told police he sounded upset, and he promised he would talk to her later.

When Alex Flanagan did not hear from her husband, she called a neighbor to check on him. The neighbor went to the home and called 911 after failing to find him.

Police discovered a body on the property but could not immediately determine the identity because the wounds were so severe.

The lefty went 167-143 with a 3.90 ERA over 18 seasons with Baltimore and Toronto.  He's a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame. Flanagan was also the final Oriole to pitch at Memorial Stadium - Baltimore's home from 1954-1991.