Former Orioles outfielder Danny Clyburn shot and killed in S.C.

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

February 07, 2012, 7:48am

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I have the unfortunate task of passing along some tragic news regarding former Orioles outfielder Danny Clyburn. Clyburn was shot and killed early this morning in Lancaster, S.C., according to a report in The Herald. He would have been 38 on opening day. The Herald reported that Derrick Lamont Mcilwain, 36, of Lancaster, has been arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. A witness told police that Clyburn was arguing with a man just before a shot was fired. Clyburn's body was found in the front yard of the home where that argument allegedly took place. Clyburn appeared in 13 games with the Orioles during the 1997 and 1998 seasons, batting .280/.308/.400 with one homer, three RBIs and six runs scored. The Orioles traded him to Tampa Bay for pitcher Jason Johnson, and he appeared in 28 games with the Rays in 1999. Clyburn's professional career ended with the independent Newark Bears in 2004. My first year on the Orioles' beat for The Sun coincided with Clyburn's major league debut in '97. I remember him being shy around the media, but very approachable and pleasant. He also was an impressive physical specimen. He looked like a ballplayer, and he seemed to have a bright future. RIP Danny.