Sports

Former UGA pitcher dies of self-inflicted gunshot

Oct 8, 2009

Houston -- A sheriff's official in Georgia says former major league pitcher Brian Powell has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 35.

Capt. Liz Crowley of the Decatur County Sheriff's Office says Powell died Monday at a hospital in Tallahassee, Fla. Powell was from Bainbridge, Ga., and played at the University of Georgia.

Powell was a three-year letterman for the Bulldogs from 1993-95. In his Bulldog career, he appeared in 50 games with 48 starts, going 19-14 with a 3.80 ERA. He ranks second in school history with 17 complete games, 352 strikeouts and five shutouts. In 1995, he led the Southeastern Conference in strikeouts (138); innings pitched (147) and was second in complete games (7).

Powell was 7-18 with a 5.94 ERA in 59 games for Detroit, Houston, San Francisco and Philadelphia. He last pitched in the majors with the Phillies in 2004, and spent 2005 in Triple-A for Washington.

Powell is survived by his wife and three children.

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