Mike Flanagan Death a Suicide: Reports

The death of the renowned left-handed baseball pitcher, Mike Flanagan has been ruled as suicide resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot.

A ruling by the Maryland medical examiner has revealed that the 59-year-old killed himself after being upset about financial issues, the Associated Press reported.

Flanagan's body was found on Wednesday afternoon 250 feet behind his home where he had been alone that evening. According to police he last spoke to his wife at 1.am on Wednesday who said he husband sounded upset.

We thank you for your support and kind words at this difficult time. Thank you for respecting our privacy as we grieve. A private memorial will be held at a later date, the Flanagan family said in a statement.

Flanagan ran most of his career at the Baltimore Orioles and was honored with a Cy Young award and is a member of the team's hall of fame.

There was a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium on Thursday before New York faced the Oakland Athletics. Flanagan's picture was posted on the video board.