Former Major League closer Rod Beck has passed away today at the age of 38 in Phoenix. The cause of death is not known at this time.Originally drafted by the A’s, Beck made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 1991 where he pitched until the 1997 season. He signed with the Cubs in 1998 and played there until 1999 when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He pitched in Boston thru the 2001 season. After the season, he had Tommy John Surgery and was out of baseball until 2003, when he came back with the San Diego Padres. He pitched in San Diego until the 2004 season when he was released in August. He had been out of baseball since.
My condolences go out to Beck’s friends and family.
I’m stunned I couldn’t believe it when TC put that info out during the pre-game show.
I was surprised too. I had actually seen it a few minutes before TC said anything in my Rotoworld notes.
Sports news without access, favor, or discretion. » Too Young: Rod Beck Is Dead At 38 // Jun 24, 2007 at 5:27 pm
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I am so sad to hear about the death of Rod Beck. In a world that shows more concern about what you are wearing and who you are with, Rod remains an example of the true individual. A Teammate, not a premadonna. A real,genuine nice guy. My thoughts go to his family at this time. We lost a true genuine individual. No fuss, no muss, no fancy cars or toy. Just a good ol boy!
Family members are reporting that Rod had a cocaine addiction and that is was the drug that killed him. Sad, very sad.
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/31/rod-beck-used-cocaine-on-a-daily-basis/
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2956394