Ex-Orioles pitcher's death a suicide, police say

By the CNN Wire Staff

Mike Flanagan's best season was in 1979 when he won 23 games and got the Cy Young Award.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: Mike Flanagan's death ruled a suicide, police say
• The left-hander won the American League Cy Young award in 1979
• "Flanny became an integral part of the Orioles family," team owner says

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Read more about this story from CNN affiliate WMAR.

(CNN) -- Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Flanagan's death has been ruled a suicide, police said Thursday.

Flanagan, 59, was found dead Wednesday evening, the team said. Baltimore County police Detective Cathleen Batton said Thursday that investigators determined Flanagan killed himself at his home in the city's northern suburbs.

Flanagan spent 15 of his 18 years in the majors with the Orioles. The left-hander won the American League Cy Young Award, baseball's top pitching honor, in 1979, when he won 23 games and pitched in the World Series. He was also with the team for its 1983 World Series win.

"In over a quarter century with the organization, Flanny became an integral part of the Orioles family, for his accomplishments both on and off the field," Orioles owner Peter Angelos said.

After a few seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays in the late 1980s, he returned to Baltimore and finished his career in 1992. After retirement, he worked as a broadcaster and executive for the team.

Flanagan is survived by his wife, Alex, and three daughters. In a statement issued through the team, his family thanked fans for their support and asked for privacy.

CNN's Rick Martin and Jason Durand contributed to this report.