Rod Beck, RIP (1968-2007)

[Williamsburg2599]

Rod Beck, R.I.P. (http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/06/rod-beck-rip.html)
By Mark Gonzales

Former Cubs reliever Rod Beck died Saturday in Phoenix. He was 38 but had lived a great baseball life.

Many North Side fans will remember his 1998 season in leading the Cubs to the National League wild card berth, capped when he jammed Joe Carter on an 81-m.p.h. pitch. And he famously lived out of a recreational vehicle while pitching for Triple-A Iowa.

My association with Rod dates back to 1992 when I covered the San Francisco Giants. He was the same down-to-earth guy from that year until I last saw him in spring training in 2004, his last year in the majors.

I know, you're not supposed to be close to players, but Rod was the only player I invited to my wedding.

Rod was always a stand-up guy, even during tough times during his baseball career. I'm glad that many of my friends in several media markets (hie pitched in San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and San Diego) got to see what a wonderful person he was.

Rest in peace, Rod.

Check back as more details become available.


Beck was a 3 time all-star, and played from 1991-2004. RIP.

25565

[cosmo34]

This just sucks. I was always a big fan of his. When he lived in his RV at the Iowa Cubs, he would always have all kinds of fans over to hang out with him. People would always talk about what an awesome guy he was. I wish I had gotten a chance to run down and meet him.

[rockin500]

WGN TV is reporting that Rod Beck has died at the age of 38. he was a classic. :( RIP, rod.

[rockin500]

This just sucks. I was always a big fan of his. When he lived in his RV at the Iowa Cubs, he would always have all kinds of fans over to hang out with him. People would always talk about what an awesome guy he was. I wish I had gotten a chance to run down and meet him.
same here. ive always been a fan of his. r.i.p Rod Beck

[Hammerin Hank]

Oh my gosh! How did this happen? He was always a favorite on the Cubs when I was a kid.

[SamtheBravesFan]

How did he die?

He was a pretty good reliever for a long time, too.

[Scartissue]

Oh my gosh! How did this happen? He was always a favorite on the Cubs when I was a kid.

Too bad--he was a real character and fun (and often nerve wracking) to watch.

Don't think cause of death is known/released yet.

[cosmo34]

Rod Beck, who saved 286 games in a 13-year major league career, has died at the age of 38.

The cause of death is unknown at this time. Beck died alone at his Arizona home. Police are investigating, but no foul play is suspected, the Arizona Republic reported on its Web site.

Beck, who played for the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox and Padres, was a three-time All-Star and saved a career-best 51 games with the Cubs in 1998.

Barry Bonds, who played with Beck on the Giants from 1993 until 1997, said he was shocked.

"It comes as a complete shock. We all just found out. He was a great guy, great for us when he was here," Bonds said, according to MLB.com.

-ESPN

[SamtheBravesFan]

Rod Beck, who saved 286 games in a 13-year major league career, has died at the age of 38.

The cause of death is unknown at this time. Beck died alone at his Arizona home. Police are investigating, but no foul play is suspected, the Arizona Republic reported on its Web site.

Beck, who played for the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox and Padres, was a three-time All-Star and saved a career-best 51 games with the Cubs in 1998.

Barry Bonds, who played with Beck on the Giants from 1993 until 1997, said he was shocked.

"It comes as a complete shock. We all just found out. He was a great guy, great for us when he was here," Bonds said, according to MLB.com.

-ESPN

Maybe he had a heart attack.

[Zito75]

May he rest in peace. I hate speculating, but I sure hope he didn't commit suicide.

Here's a link to my favorite story about him: (and it's a fun read)

http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/2003/0515/1554407.html

[The Commissioner]

The initial article I read said that "foul play isn't suspected". I hate whenever they immediately come out with garbage like that. 38 year olds don't just suddenly pass away from natural causes, something fishy was going on.

[cubfanmom]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/06/24/bc.bbo.obit.beck.ap/index.html

I hope the link isn't too long.......(if so it is in Sports illustrated)

Just saw this over on websleuths and had to hop on over here. According to the SI article RB had a stint with rehab in 04. We'll find out in days to come.

What a sad day for Baseball. If it was an accidental od or addiction related, how terribly sad he wasn't able to overcome those addictions.

RIP Rod! We loved ya! You were an awesome ball player.

[sds416]

Former Cubs/Giants/Red Sox/Padres closer Rod Beck was found dead today in his home in Arizona, he was just 38 years old. He last pitched for the Padres in 2004. No apparent cause for his death was found, police do not suspect foul play. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week.

He is survived by his wife, and 2 children.

[nathanKent]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/06/24/bc.bbo.obit.beck.ap/index.html
accidental od or addiction related

That was my guess as soon as I heard. He just had that sort of happy, party guy personality. It's part of what made him so lovable. He posessed my favorite attributes in a reliever: average stuff and giant stones. Good guy, and he will be missed.

[RBi]

My heart goes out to his wife Stacey and their two children.

:(

Today is a sad day for me. He was one of my childhood favorites.

[VTSoxFan]

This is a very sad event. I remember him pitching for the Red Sox, and how hard he tried even when he didn't have his good stuff. From everything I've heard, he was just a good teammate and a good guy.

My condolences to his widow and kids, and all of his family and friends. :(

[AMG]

It's always sad to see someone die so young. RIP Rod.

[HDH]

I didn't realize he was only 38. I thought he was in his late 30s 10 years ago. He just looked and acted old.

[Cowtipper]

RIP. He was a great pitcher for a while. It's sad.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I didn't realize he was only 38. I thought he was in his late 30s 10 years ago. He just looked and acted old.
I just realized that Beck was born two weeks before I was. Wow. We could have graduated from high school together.

[flash143817]

I didn't realize he was only 38. I thought he was in his late 30s 10 years ago. He just looked and acted old.

That's exactly what I thought when I saw this. I thought he was at least 45, possibly going on 50. Shocked to hear only 38.

Sadly, he didn't strike me as one who was gonna make it to old age. I'd guess it was some type of OD. Seemed like a real people's player too, living in the RV during the season.

[KHenry14]

Shooter was beloved wherever he played. An engaging personality, but also a great competitor who layed it on the line everytime he took the mound. His 48 save 1993 stands alone in Giants history as the best season a releiver ever had in the long history of the Franchise. Giants fans everywhere mourn this loss.

[Brad Harris]

Really enjoyed watching him play. Can't ask for more than that.